Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Parotid Abscess: Clinical Evaluation and Management of a Rare Case in an Adult Female With Sjögren’s Syndrome

This report presents a case of a young female with Sjögren's disease who developed a non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) abscess in the right parotid gland. Following an unsuccessful four-month course of antibiotic therapy, she underwent a superficial parotidectomy. This was an unusual case in this demographic, considering that most cervical NTM infections are diagnosed in pediatric patients who have a characteristic violaceous neck mass. Her case was reviewed using the medical record, and photo-documentation was conducted throughout follow-up visits in the outpatient clinic. Infectious disease specialists were heavily involved in determining her antibiotic treatment plan, which spanned over four months. The initial therapy was complicated by multiple antibiotic changes and pauses in treatment due to adverse effects, including chest tightness and elevation of liver function tests (LFTs). After completion of antibiotic therapy, the patient continued to experience episodes of parotitis without abscess, and she ultimately underwent a right superficial parotidectomy. No evidence of recurrence was observed during postoperative follow-up. This case report illustrates a rare cause of NTM infection in an immunocompetent adult patient and provides important management guidance for providers who may encounter similar patients.