Abstract
BackgroundFrey’s syndrome is a socially embarrassing condition commonly involving preauricular area after parotidectomy surgery or trauma to the face. Frey’s syndrome over the external ear canal without a prior history of trauma or surgery is extremely rare. To date, there were only two case reports of unilateral spontaneous gustatory sweating in the external ear canal found in the English literature.Case presentationWe report a case of bilateral external ear spontaneous gustatory sweating in a 31-year-old Chinese male. The diagnosis of Frey’s syndrome was confirmed by Minor’s Starch Iodine test.ConclusionsComprehensive history and physical examination are mandatory to reach the diagnosis of Frey’s syndrome of external ear canal. The treatment option should be tailored individually.
Highlights
Frey’s syndrome is a socially embarrassing condition commonly involving preauricular area after parotidectomy surgery or trauma to the face
Most of the cases have clearly defined precipitating events, such as trauma, which can be a blunt or penetrating injury, surgical intervention, and localized inflammation. It commonly occurs in a patient who had undergone parotidectomy, usually diagnosed within 12 months after the surgery [1]
Two case reports of unilateral spontaneous gustatory sweating in the external ear canal were reported in the English literature [2, 3]
Summary
Most of the cases have clearly defined precipitating events, such as trauma, which can be a blunt or penetrating injury, surgical intervention, and localized inflammation. It commonly occurs in a patient who had undergone parotidectomy, usually diagnosed within 12 months after the surgery [1]. Case presentation A 31-year-old Chinese male complained of bilateral watery ear discharge whenever he was having his meal for the past 1 year. For long-term results, he was offered for botulinum toxin injection; the patient was not keen on botulinum toxin injection or any other surgical intervention
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