Tuberculous Parotid Lymphadenitis: A Rare Case Report

Tuberculosis of parotid lymph nodes is a rare condition. Although uncommon, it must be included in differential diagnosis of a discrete parotid gland swelling or mass. Early recognition of the disease entity and awareness of its potential existence can spare the patient unnecessary surgical intervention. A 13-year-old female patient presented with a painless swelling in left preauricular region. Ultrasonographic examination showed presence of calcified lymph nodes with central necrosis. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed epitheloid cells, foci of calcification and areas of caseation necrosis suggestive of tuberculosis. Standard antituberculous regimen was planned for 6 months with rifampicin, ethambutol, isoniazid and pyrazinamide. Patient discontinued the antituberculous regimen after free of clinical symptoms at the end of the 5th month. Recurrence of the tuberculosis was seen 2 weeks after the discontinuation of the treatment. Completed retreatment for 8 months and follow-up shown patient free of tuberculosis.