BOTULINUM TOXIN: A NONINVASIVE OPTION FOR THE SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT OF SALIVARY GLAND STENOSIS-A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Background. A man diagnosed with Stensen's duct stenosis exhibited recurrent parotid swelling, invariably during meals. Previous parotid duct dilations and percutaneous radiotherapy were ineffective. Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections were injected into the affected gland to regulate salivary flow and reduce parotid swelling. Methods. BTX (22.5 units) was injected into the affected gland. A second treatment with 30 units BTX was carried out 7 weeks later. Two further injections followed after 4 months, respectively. The results were scored by the patient and evaluated in an examination. Results. The patient reported the disappearance of parotid swelling after 2 weeks of injections. This effect was maintained for 5 weeks after the first treatment and for 4 months after the following 2 treatments. There were no side effects. Conclusion. Here we introduce BTX as a therapeutic option for the treatment of salivary duct stenosis when other therapies are ineffective and before opting for gland extirpation. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 32: 959-963, 2010