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Bilateral Parotid Sialadenosis Associated with Long-Standing Bulimia: A Case Report and Literature Review

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Abstract

Purpose

Bulimia is a common cause of sialadenosis. This paper presents a case of bilateral parotid sialadenosis associated with long-standing bulimia, and reviews the relevant literature and current treatment options.

Methods and Results

A 32-year-old woman had severe bilateral parotid sialomegaly for the last 6 years, which had occurred secondary to bulimia nervosa, which she had since 14 years. Treatment with pilocarpine was unsuccessful, so she underwent bilateral conservative parotidectomy. This procedure not only improved the aesthetic appearance of the patient but also improved her social and work life and overall quality of life.

Conclusions

Sialomegaly secondary to bulimia results in a major alteration of the aesthetics of a patient’s face. Conservative measures are not enough in many cases, and parotidectomy may be the only viable option, as it can also significantly improve adherence to psychiatric treatment for bulimia, in addition to correcting the facial aesthetics.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral, Maxillofacial Surgery, Odonto-Stomatology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Reina Sofia, Av. Menéndez Pidal S/N, Córdoba, Spain

    Blas Garcia Garcia, Alicia Dean Ferrer & Francisco Jesus Alamillos Granados

  2. Department of General Surgery, University Hospital Reina Sofia, Av. Menéndez Pidal S/N, Córdoba, Spain

    Nelida Diaz Jimenez

  3. Avda. Menéndez Pidal S/N, 14004, Córdoba, Spain

    Blas Garcia Garcia

Authors
  1. Blas Garcia Garcia
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  2. Alicia Dean Ferrer
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  3. Nelida Diaz Jimenez
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  4. Francisco Jesus Alamillos Granados
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Blas Garcia Garcia.

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The researchers declare no conflicts of interest.

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Garcia Garcia, B., Dean Ferrer, A., Diaz Jimenez, N. et al. Bilateral Parotid Sialadenosis Associated with Long-Standing Bulimia: A Case Report and Literature Review. J. Maxillofac. Oral Surg. 17, 117–121 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-016-0913-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-016-0913-7

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