[Imaging diagnosis of parotid diseases--a comparison of methods]

Thirty-five patients with parotid gland disorders were ultrasonographically examined with a "small parts" scanner, as well as with high-resolution computed tomography, and conventional and digital subtracted sialography. The results were compared with clinical, surgical, and pathomorphological data. In cases of parotid gland masses, the sensitivity of sonography, CT, and sialography was 100%, 81%, and 70% respectively, while in cases of sialadenitis, sensitivity was 38%, 50%, and 75%. The image-quality of digital subtracted sialography was superior to conventional sialography in 94% of cases, the same in 6%, and inferior in none of the cases. It is concluded that in all cases of parotid gland diseases ultrasound should be the first imaging method. If a tumor is confirmed, no further pretherapeutic imaging will be necessary in most cases. If a tumor is not confirmed, digital subtracted sialography should be employed to visualize inflammatory changes.