[Parotid gland sarcoidosis].

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous multisystemic disease of unknown origin that can occur in any organ of the body and commonly affects young adults. Pulmonary sarcoidosis is by far the most common manifestation of the disease but occasionally it presents with involvement of the lymph nodes, skin, eyes, liver, spleen, heart, bones, joints, nervous system and the oral organs. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis is complex and includes the presence of noncaseating granuloma in involved tissues, changes in chest x-ray and many other tests.

AIM: The aim of the study was to present the rare case of parotid sarcoidosis which was the origin of discussion of diagnostics and treatment of sarcoidosis in ENT field.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors present a review of updated opinions on pathogenesis, diagnostics and treatment of sarcoidosis, completed with own experience concerning a case of extrapulmonary sarcoidosis that manifested with isolated parotid gland enlargement.

CONCLUSIONS: 1. The incidence of head and neck sarcoidosis is rare, although this etiology should be taken into account in ENT diagnostics. 2. The lesions can occur in many organs, most common manifestation is: lungs, peripherial lymph nodes, skin, eyes, articulations, liver and spleen. 3. Course of sarcoidosis is not characteristic, chest x-ray, biopsy and the analysis of clinical signs are required to settle the diagnosis. 4. In cases of isolated salivary gland sarcoidosis the preoperative diagnosis is difficult, fine-needle biopsy and Doppler ultrasonography can be helpful. 5. The possibility of exacerbations and recidivations makes the long follow-up necessary.