Case Report: Suppurative Parotitis Secondary to Sjögren’s Syndrome Complicated by Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection

Abstract Background: Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunction of exocrine glands. Chronic recurrent parotitis is a common complication, but progression to suppurative parotitis, especially when caused by nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection, is rare and often misdiagnosed. Case presentation: We report a case of a 44-year-old woman with a 6-year history of SS who presented with left parotid swelling unresponsive to conventional antibiotics. Symptoms worsened after parotid duct irrigation. Imaging revealed multiple abscesses, and pus culture finally confirmed Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC). After receiving targeted antimicrobial therapy with clarithromycin, amikacin, and moxifloxacin, combined with surgical incision and drainage,the patient achieved complete recovery and was successfully discharged. Conclusions: Clinicians should consider NTM infection in SS patients with recurrent or treatment-resistant parotitis, especially after invasive procedures. Early microbial identification and drug sensitivity testing are essential to guide an appropriate therapy. Combined medical and surgical management can lead to favorable outcomes.