A Case of Self-Induced Pneumoparotitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Self-induced pneumoparotitis is a rare cause of swelling of the parotid gland. It has been reported to be a result of psychosomatic disorder, unintentional habit, and it is sometimes self-induced by patients to achieve secondary gain. We report a case of a 18-year-old man who had a self-induced pneumoparotitis complicated by recurrent parotitis, subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. With repeated behavior of insufflation, parotid acini may rupture and air may extend into the retropharyngeal space, causing pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax. In self-induced cases, treatment should necessitate psychologic therapy for behavior modification.