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Varix of the retromandibular vein within the parotid gland: case study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2013

G N Wali ,
T A R Mawby ,
F Sheerin  and
C A Milford
G N Wali
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
T A R Mawby*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
F Sheerin
Affiliation:
Department of Neuro-radiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
C A Milford
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr T A R Mawby, Department of ENT, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK Fax: 01865 231200 E-mail: tommawby@hotmail.com
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Abstract

Objective:

To report a case of varix of the retromandibular vein within the parotid gland.

Methods:

Case report, and discussion of the appropriate selection and use of radiological investigation techniques.

Results:

A 64-year-old lady who presented with unilateral tinnitus underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan to exclude a vestibular schwannoma. The magnetic resonance scout images revealed an incidental finding of a hyper-echoic mass within the parotid gland. The mass was most consistent with a pleomorphic adenoma. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology was arranged; the ultrasound identified the mass as a varix of the retromandibular vein and fine needle aspiration cytology was not performed.

Conclusion:

A varix of the retromandibular vein is a very rare cause of a parotid mass. Appropriate radiological investigations can prevent unnecessary invasive investigations or procedures.

Keywords

Parotid GlandVarixVein
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 127 , Issue 8 , August 2013 , pp. 825 - 827
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2013 

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