A 24-year-old man is brought to the physician with fever, malaise, and unilateral facial pain and swelling that began 2 days ago. He has an appendictomy 3 days ago. His temperature is 38.2°C (100.8°F). There is erythema, edema, and tenderness of the right parotid glands. Physical examination shows firm swelling of the preauricular area on the right side extending to the angle of the mandible. Which of the following serum markers is most helpful for confirming the diagnosis?

Question

A 24-year-old man is brought to the physician with fever, malaise, and unilateral facial pain and swelling that began 2 days ago. He has an appendictomy 3 days ago. His temperature is 38.2°C (100.8°F). There is erythema, edema, and tenderness of the right parotid glands. Physical examination shows firm swelling of the preauricular area on the right side extending to the angle of the mandible.  Which of the following serum markers is most helpful for confirming the diagnosis?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Acute bacterial parotitis occurs more commonly in elderly postoperative patients who are intubated or dehydrated.  Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacterial etiology.  Diagnosis can be confirmed by imaging and an elevated serum amylase level (with a normal serum lipase level and no evidence of pancreatitis).

A 24-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Physician with Fever