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Major salivary gland imaging.
D M Yousem1, M A Kraut, A A Chalian
1Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N Wolfe St, Houck B-112, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. yousem@rad.jhu.edu
Radiology
|July 11, 2000
Summary
Imaging choices for salivary gland issues depend on symptoms. Nonenhanced CT is best for stones, while MRI excels at detecting tumors and invasion. Sialography is for chronic inflammation, potentially replaced by MR sialography.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Salivary gland disorders present with diverse clinical scenarios.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline an imaging algorithm for salivary gland evaluation.
- To highlight the utility of different imaging modalities based on clinical presentation.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging techniques including nonenhanced computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and sialography.
- Discussion of modality selection based on suspected pathology (calculi, neoplasm, chronic sialadenitis).
Main Results:
- Nonenhanced CT is the preferred initial study for suspected salivary calculi.
- MR imaging, with and without contrast, is superior for evaluating infiltrative neoplasms and perineural invasion.
- Sialography is indicated for chronic sialadenitis unrelated to stones, with MR sialography emerging as a potential replacement.
Conclusions:
- The choice of imaging modality for salivary glands is dictated by the clinical context.
- Advanced MR techniques show promise in replacing conventional sialography for specific indications.