A Case of Neonatal Submandibular Gland Abscess / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Submandibular gland abscess is exceptionally rare in neonates. We present a case of submandibular gland abscess and etiology, investigations and treatment for this very rare condition. The patient was a 15-day-old neonate with a swelling in the right submandibualr region. She was born after a full term and showed a sign of dehydration. An ultrasound examination demonstrated a multiple lobulated echoic lesion and the right submandibular gland was nonvisible. A CT scan revealed a hypodense round mass measuring 2.5x2.8x2.8 cm and a multiple hyperdense lesion, but no right submandibular glands. A dignosis of submandibular abscess in association with acute suppurative sialadenitis was made. Under general anesthesia, the neck abscess was drained by a 2-cm long incision at two finger-breadths (3 cm) below the inferior border of the ramus of mandibule. A large amount of greenish pus emerged immediately after dividing the platysma. The submandibular salivary gland was nearly not found. Specimen from the pus were taken for the culturing of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and tuberculosis. The wound was irrigated by normal saline and penrose drain was inserted. The antibiotics was administered for 7 days. A three-week follow-up showed no evidence of infection.