Tuberculosis as the cause of diffuse parotitis.

Parotid swelling as the presenting symptom of acute tuberculosis is uncommon and often missed. Inappropriate treatment or referral can lead to serious sequelae. Because the incidence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis at all sites has been increasing steadily since 1985, this diagnosis now must enter into the differential of any individual at risk. Awareness on the part of the emergency physician will allow prompt recognition and appropriate treatment of this disease.