Potential airway compromise secondary to impacted Wharton's duct calculus: a noteworthy phenomenon. Issue 7 (8th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van, M; Gohil, R; Gardiner, Q
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 129:Issue 7(2015)
• Page Start: 721
• Page End: 724
• Publication Date: 2015-07-08
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215115001449
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="sec1"> <title>Objectives:</title> <p>This case report describes a patient who suffered an acute, severe complication of unilateral submandibular sialolithiasis, the disease process and management of these patients.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec2"> <title>Case report:</title> <p>A 70-year-old woman was under investigation for a recurrent, painful right submandibular swelling and subsequently presented with an acute exacerbation. She exhibited symptoms of acute submandibular sialadenitis, and also reported breathing difficulty and a change in voice quality. Computed tomography imaging showed that this was caused by a submandibular gland duct sialolith, with inflammation extending to the ipsilateral supraglottis. She was treated medically and the stone was removed when the inflammation had stabilised.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec3"> <title>Conclusion:</title> <p>This case highlights the need to thoroughly assess patients with neck swellings, especially when symptoms are atypical, to avoid life-threatening complications.</p> </sec> </abstract>