Swelling in the presternal region is one possible manifestation of mumps.
Synonym: Gellis sign
Mechanism: obstruction of lymphatic drainage due to enlarged cervical lymph nodes
Clinical features:
(1) soft tissue swelling overlying the superior sternum and sternoclavicular joints
(2) variable presternal pain or tenderness
(3) variable dysphagia and/or hoarseness
(4) variable signs of mumps (fever, parotitis, pancreatitis, orchitis, etc)
Laboratory findings: positive marker for mumps (IgM antibody. PCR)
Differential diagnosis:
(1) thyroid cancer
(2) malignant lymphoma
(3) tuberculosis
(4) sternal osteomyelitis
(5) sarcoidosis
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases
