[A complex approach to the differential diagnosis of chronic parenchymal parotitis in children].

BACKGROUND: Chronic parenchymal parotitis is the most common salivary gland disease in children which occurs in about 85% cases. Diagnosis errors in chronic parenchymal parotitis are frequent and important but represent an underemphasized and understudied area of patient safety. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to elaborate the most effective and acceptable strategies for the diagnosis of chronic parenchymal parotitis in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied the histories of 211 patients with a primary diagnosis of chronic parenchymal parotitis. All patients underwent ultrasound diagnostic, as well as medical and genetic counseling and examination of 1st degree relatives and probands. RESULTS: After additional examinations, 100 children were given other diagnoses. Having analyzed the results of medical-genetic and echographic examinations of 111 patients with chronic parenchymal parotitis and their family members, we have developed a pattern of chronic parenchymal parotitis inheritance. All patients were divided into 3 groups according to the type of inheritance: monogenic inheritance, multifactorial inheritance, and sporadic cases. CONCLUSION: A complex approach to the differential diagnosis of chronic parenchymal parotitis is what is needed to reduce the frequency of diagnostic errors.