Preliminary Diagnosis: Parotiditis
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
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CT soft tissue neck with contrast
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of parotiditis.
Advantages
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Highly sensitive and specific imaging modality that offers great visualization of the parotid gland and associated structures.
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Able to evaluate for any secondary complications such as an abscess and/or cellulitis or causative etiologies such as an obstructed Stensen’s duct or adjacent dental caries
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Disadvantages
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Exposure to ionizing radiation
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
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May be contraindicated in pregnant patients
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
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Grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of parotiditis.
Grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound
Advantages
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Highly portable
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Does not use ionizing radiation
Disadvantages
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Far less specific and sensitive in diagnosing parotiditis, causative agents, and any secondary complications than CT
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
Grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound
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No specific contraindications
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