Submandibular venous malformation phleboliths mimicking sialolithiasis in children

Salivary gland stones (sialoliths) are a common cause of salivary gland enlargement, but such stones are uncommon in children. Low-flow vascular malformations of the head and neck region may develop phleboliths. Phleboliths within a venous malformation may be mistaken for a salivary stone given the similar calcified nature and location. We present two children who were referred to us for evaluation of submandibular gland sialoliths but were found to have venous malformations containing phleboliths. Multiple calcifications, calcifications > 1 cm, within a soft tissue mass separate from the substance of the submandibular gland suggest a diagnosis, of phleboliths within a venous malformation as opposed to a sialolith.