Bilateral Parotid Gland Cysts as an Atypical Indicator of Sjögren's Syndrome: A Case Study and Literature Overview

TL;DR

A case study shows that cysts in the parotid glands can be a rare sign of Sjögren's syndrome, a condition that affects moisture-producing glands.

Contribution

This case highlights an atypical clinical presentation of Sjögren's syndrome involving bilateral parotid gland cysts.

Findings

Bilateral parotid gland cysts were found in a patient with late-stage Sjögren's syndrome.

Diagnostic tests ruled out malignancy and other common cystic conditions.

MRI showed fluid-filled nodules in both parotid glands.

Abstract

Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disorder that gradually impairs exocrine function, primarily affecting lacrimal and salivary glands.

We describe an unusual presentation involving an elderly female patient diagnosed with late-stage Sjögren's syndrome. Laboratory testing eliminated viral infections including HIV and HCV. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of parotid swellings revealed inflammatory cystic lesions, excluding malignancy and other common cystic conditions. MRI revealed several fluid-filled nodules in both glands.

This report supports including Sjögren's syndrome in the differential diagnosis for bilateral cystic lesions of the parotid glands. A synthesis of similar literature cases is included.

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