2023/03/08
Looking Beyond the Obvious! A Case of Sialolithiasis Masquerading as an Odontogenic Abscess
A 33-year-old woman presented with acute right-sided facial swelling, dysphonia, and dysphagia, and further examination revealed a raised floor of the mouth with fluctuation and induration. Panoramic imaging suggested an odontogenic abscess associated with a previously treated tooth that had failed root canal treatment. However, imaging after emergency department referral revealed radio-opacities along the right submandibular duct's course, indicating sialolithiasis as the likely cause. This case emphasizes the importance of considering anatomic structures when establishing a differential diagnosis and highlights the potential for sialolithiasis to mimic the presentation of an odontogenic abscess. Rapid identification and proper management of these conditions are crucial, given the potential risk they pose to the airway and other structures.