Abstract
A 65-year-old man admitted for a left parotid tumor and high fever unresponsive to peroral antibiotics was found in gallium scintigraphy to have “hot” spots in the left parotid gland and left maxillary sinus. The ineffectiveness of intravenous antibiotics necessitated open biopsy to histologically diagnose the man’s condition. Surgical parotid gland and maxillary sinus specimens showed necrotizing granulomas with giant cells. Elevated proteinase-3 antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (PR3-ANCA) comfirmed a clinical diagnosis of Wegener’s granulomatosis. Treatment with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide led to clinical improvement.
Major salivary gland involvement is rarely a presenting symptom in Wegener’s granulomatosis and correctly diagnosing this condition may increase morbidity due to disease progression.
