Imaging of the major salivary glands

Abstract

The major salivary glands, submandibular, parotid and sublingual glands play an important role in preserving the oral cavity and dental health. Patients with problems of the major salivary glands may present with symptoms such as dry mouth, dysphagia and obstruction of duct, inflammation, severe dental caries or swelling. Imaging plays an important role in visualization of morphology and function, to establish a diagnosis, for treatment, and for surgical planning. There are several options for diagnostic imaging: plain radiography, sialography, ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), salivary gland scintigraphy and (18)F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET). We present an overview of the modalities in relation to common salivary gland disease.

Computer‐assisted technologies used in oral rehabilitation and the clinical documentation of alleged advantages – a systematic review

“…Tomographic appliances of relevance for oral rehabilitation are in four categories, as defined by the type of electromagnetic wavelength, that is by use of ultrasound (30) or by X-rays in a conventional or a cone-beam computer tomograph (31), alternatively by use of radiofrequency waves in MRI appliances or by electron-positron annihilation in PET machines (32). The many innovative tomographic tools have been extensively used to diagnose and study diseases of the craniofacial complex, including the temporomandibular joint (33), as well as the salivary glands (34). Further details about existing commercial products and their performance can be obtained in these two review papers.…”

Cost‐effectiveness of sialendoscopy versus medical management for radioiodine‐induced sialadenitis

“…Symptoms include gland swelling, dysphagia, tenderness, pain, and xerostomia. Diagnostic sialography utilizing ultrasound, magnetic resonance (MR), and computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be a useful adjunct to patient symptoms, though each is limited by facility availability, cost, and physician expertise …”

“…Diagnostic sialography utilizing ultrasound, magnetic resonance (MR), and computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be a useful adjunct to patient symptoms, though each is limited by facility availability, cost, and physician expertise. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Over the past 10 years, sialendoscopy has become an alternative in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with RAIS. [19][20][21][22][23][24] The common findings on RAIS salivary endoscopy include blanched ducts, strictures, debris, loss of vascular markings, and diffuse ductal stenosis.…”

A Rare Case of Multiple Calcifications and Vascular Malformation Within the Parenchyma of the Parotid Salivary Gland Coinciding With an Intracranial Meningioma

“…[9] The proposed association between parotid gland calcification and chronic conditions is a consequence of a chronic lymphocyte-mediated destruction of the exocrine glands that eventually leads to intraductal calcification. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] Several imaging modalities, such as plain X-ray examination, [23,24] sialography, ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT), [25][26][27] are available for detection of calcifications in the parotid gland. CT is the most useful tool in detection and evaluation of small calcifications because of its high spatial resolution.…”

“…However, it may have a potential for staging and restaging of malignant salivary gland tumours. [25] …”