Abstract
Parotid gland parenchyma histology may be altered by local or systemic, pathological or non-pathological conditions. ObjectiveThis paper aims to highlight the fatty degeneration of the parotid gland, a not well-known non-pathological condition. MethodIn a retrospective study, we collected a series of 6 patients which presented a swelling of the parotid, but even after extensive research, a diagnosis was not reached. ResultsThrough the retrospective analysis of records we found fatty degeneration of the parotid in an MRI scan of all patients. ConclusionThis condition, despite being physiological and expected with aging, may be related to clinical and radiological swelling of these glands.
Highlights
Through the retrospective analysis of records we found fatty degeneration of the parotid in an MRI scan of all patients
Parotid gland parenchyma is subject to changes in its histological characteristics because of local or systemic conditions
Hypertriglyceridemia may be associated with fat infiltration in the parotid without inflammatory activity[1]
Summary
Parotid gland parenchyma is subject to changes in its histological characteristics because of local or systemic conditions. Hypertriglyceridemia may be associated with fat infiltration in the parotid without inflammatory activity[1]. The drop in ovarian hormones after ovariectomy in rats showed fat degeneration in the parotid glands[2]. In Sjögren’s syndrome, there is parenchyma heterogeneity because of adipose degeneration and lymphocytic infiltration[3]. In patients with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), there may be parotid gland enlargement and, histologically, besides the fat infiltration, one may see lymphocytic aggregates, lymphoepithelial cysts or lymphadenopathy[4]. Studies with rats have shown an increase in lipids and degeneration of secretory granules associated with an age-related decline in the secretory activities of the parotid glands[6], without it representing a disease process
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