Major Salivary Gland Imaging

Abstract

The algorithm for imaging the salivary glands depends on the clinical scenario with which the patient presents to the clinician. Because of the importance of identifying small calculi in the gland or salivary duct as the cause of the symptom complex, nonenhanced computed tomography is often the best initial study for the evaluation of the painful gland. If an infiltrative neoplasm is highly suspected, nonenhanced and enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may be superior in demonstrating perineural, meningeal, and skull base invasion. Sialography is reserved for the evaluation of chronic sialadenitides unrelated to sialolithiasis. Thin-section MR techniques for MR sialography may soon replace conventional sialography.

Bilateral parotid swelling: a radiological review

“…Diffuse glandular enhancement is seen on post-contrast images. [1][2][3][4] Chronic sialadenitis Chronic inflammation of the salivary gland tissue leads to alteration in the drainage system of the gland, thus increasing the likelihood of infection. Progressive dilatation of the ductal system proximal to the obstruction occurs and leads to salivary gland enlargement ( Figure 1).…”

“…Chronic sialadenitis is clinically characterized by intermittent, often painful swelling of the gland that may or may not be associated with food. [1][2][3][4] …”

“…Although unilateral parotid swelling is more frequently seen, bilateral parotid swelling is not uncommon. 1 Bilateral parotid swelling can result from a diverse spectrum of pathologies (Table 1), several of which do not require imaging of any kind and can be easily diagnosed clinically, whereas others can be diagnosed on imaging alone. [1][2][3] Salivary gland imaging is currently performed by several modalities including MRI, CT, ultrasonography, scintigraphy and sialography.…”

“…1 Bilateral parotid swelling can result from a diverse spectrum of pathologies (Table 1), several of which do not require imaging of any kind and can be easily diagnosed clinically, whereas others can be diagnosed on imaging alone. [1][2][3] Salivary gland imaging is currently performed by several modalities including MRI, CT, ultrasonography, scintigraphy and sialography. [1][2][3][4][5] The algorithm for imaging the salivary glands depends on the clinical scenario with which the patient presents to the clinician.…”

“…[1][2][3] Salivary gland imaging is currently performed by several modalities including MRI, CT, ultrasonography, scintigraphy and sialography. [1][2][3][4][5] The algorithm for imaging the salivary glands depends on the clinical scenario with which the patient presents to the clinician. In this article, we display a panel of imaging features of histologically proven bilateral parotid swelling to emphasize diagnostic differentiation based on imaging.…”