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