[Salivary stones and stenosis. A comprehensive classification]

Area of Science:

• Salivary gland medicine
• Diagnostic imaging
• Surgical pathology

Background:

• Sialendoscopy and sialo-MRI are key diagnostic tools for salivary gland obstructive pathologies.
• Existing diagnostic methods lack a standardized classification for conditions like lithiasis, stenosis, and dilatations.
• A unified classification is crucial for comparing large patient series and improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a comprehensive classification system for obstructive salivary gland pathologies.
• To facilitate standardized reporting and comparison of diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes.
• To enhance the diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland diseases.

Main Methods:

• Development of the "LSD" classification based on the presence or absence of lithiasis (L), stenosis (S), and dilatation (D).
• Utilized data from sialographies, sialo-MRI, and sialendoscopies.
• Collaboration with experts from the European Sialendoscopy Training Center (ESTC).

Main Results:

• A novel "LSD" classification for obstructive salivary gland pathologies has been described.
• The classification system integrates findings from various diagnostic modalities.
• Provides a framework for categorizing pathologies based on lithiasis, stenosis, and dilatation.

Conclusions:

• A standardized classification for obstructive salivary gland pathologies is necessary.
• The proposed "LSD" classification is expected to be widely adopted and refined through clinical use.
• This classification will aid in comparing diagnostic methods (sialography, sialendoscopy) and therapeutic interventions (lithotripsy, sialendoscopy, surgery).