[Salivary glands swelling after the administration of a non-ionic iodized contrast medium]

Salivary gland tumefaction (iodide mumps) is a rare, but possible, reaction to endovenous administration of a contrast medium. The authors describe three cases of bilateral, iodide mumps where swelling of the submaxillary salivary glands was seen after administration of a non ionic iodized contrast medium for upper GI examination. The cases differ from what is reported in the literature in that they occurred in subjects with good renal function and who had not previously presented any other early or delayed side effects subsequent to the use of a contrast medium. The authors then discuss the pathogenic hypotheses for this disorder subsequent to the administration of the new generation, low osmolarity contrast media which are generally better tolerated than traditional media.