Stensen Duct Examination

Pneumoparotid is retrograde movement of air through the parotid duct (Stensen duct) into proximal structures of the parotid gland owing to increased intraoral pressures, for example, from playing wind instruments or blowing glass, in children with psychiatric disorders, or from use of compressed air during dental procedures or positive pressure with anesthesia. Simultaneous parotid inflammation or infection by oral bacteria produces pneumoparotitis, and dissection of air through the parotid capsule can produce subcutaneous emphysema of the head and neck. On examination, crepitus may be palpated overlying the gland, and frothy secretions with bubbles can be milked from the parotid gland, as in this video. Click the related article link for full case details.