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
Affiliations
Andrea Marino
Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
Giovanni Cacciaguerra
Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Specialization in Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
Giuseppe Sangiorgio
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
Antonino Maniaci
Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, 94100 Enna, Italy
Luigi La Via
Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University Hospital Policlinico—San Marco, 24046 Catania, Italy
Salvatore Cocuzza
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, ENT Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
Stefano Stracquadanio
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
Roberta Leonardi
Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Specialization in Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
Serena Spampinato
Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
Bruno Cacopardo
Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
Piero Pavone
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital “Policlinico G. Rodolico”, 95125 Catania, Italy
Giuseppe Nunnari
Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
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.
