Síndrome de Frey – Uma visão global do tema

Abstract

IntroductionFrey's syndrome is caused by a mechanical irritative lesion of the vegetative fibers from the auriculotemporal nerve. This lesion causes an abnormal regeneration of the post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the receptors sweat gland and blood vessels, causing increases sensitivity, skin erythema and sudation during meals. MethodsA literature search was performed in PubMed, using a combination of words (Mesh terms), such as «Frey's syndrome» or «syndrome Auriculotemporal» or «gustatory sweating». Results262 articles, published between 1974 and 2012, were found. Papers were selected and categorized into several groups after reading their abstracts, to facilitate their analysis and exclude the less relevant to the study. This selection led to the achievement of the objectives of this paper, presenting the most relevant aspects of Frey's syndrome, including neuroanatomy, physiopathology, incidence, etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. ConclusionAmong the patients who had parotidectomies only a few mentioned spontaneously symptoms suggestive of Frey's syndrome. Therefore the routine use of preventive procedures must be previously and thoroughly considered since it may mask tumoral relapse in the long term. When treatment is needed, the first choice is, still, the injection of botulinum toxin type A.