Juvenile Recurrent Parotitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Juvenile recurrent parotitis is a benign, non-obstructive inflammatory condition of the parotid gland, characterized by recurrent painful swelling, usually starting in preschool age and often self-limiting.
Objectives: To synthesize and critically appraise the most recent evidence on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in pediatric juvenile recurrent parotitis.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases were searched (2020–June 2025). Original studies (cohort, case–control, case series), as well as systematic and narrative reviews on pediatric juvenile recurrent parotitis, were included. Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools specific to each study design.
Results: A total of 17 studies involving 778 children were included, with sample sizes ranging from 6 to 146 participants. Diagnosis was primarily based on clinical criteria and ultrasound. Sialography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography were reserved for specific situations. Treatment options included conservative management, selective antibiotics, duct irrigation, corticosteroid instillation, and sialendoscopy. Most studies reported a reduction in recurrence and severity following intervention, particularly after sialendoscopy. Surgical resection was reserved to severe, refractory cases.
Conclusions: Juvenile recurrent parotitis is a benign yet disruptive disorder. Ultrasound remains the first-line diagnostic tool, and sialendoscopy is a promising, safe, and effective treatment for recurrent cases. Clinicians should consider escalating from conservative to interventional therapy when patients experience frequent recurrences or significant impairment in quality of life.