COVID (Jul 2024)

SARS-CoV-2-Related Parotitis in Children: A Narrative-Focused Review

  • Andrea Marino,
  • Giovanni Cacciaguerra,
  • Giuseppe Sangiorgio,
  • Antonino Maniaci,
  • Luigi La Via,
  • Salvatore Cocuzza,
  • Stefano Stracquadanio,
  • Roberta Leonardi,
  • Serena Spampinato,
  • Bruno Cacopardo,
  • Piero Pavone,
  • Giuseppe Nunnari

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4080076
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 8
pp. 1100 – 1112

Abstract

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The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a diverse spectrum of clinical manifestations in the pediatric population, including the rare but notable presentation of unilateral parotitis. This comprehensive review explores the complexities surrounding SARS-CoV-2-associated unilateral parotitis in children. It addresses the initial clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, treatment strategies, and the wider epidemiological impacts of this unusual symptom. The review synthesizes the available literature, providing insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this atypical manifestation and its implications for pediatric healthcare during the pandemic. Through the rigorous analysis of reported cases, this study underscores the need for increased awareness and a broad differential diagnosis among clinicians. It also emphasizes the importance of continued research to delineate the full clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in children.

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