CT Scan as an Essential Tool in Diagnosis of Non-radiopaque Sialoliths

Sialolithiasis is the second most common disease of the salivary glands and the main cause of salivary gland obstruction. Diagnosis of calculi/sialoliths can be made by means of an elaborate history, precise clinical examination and radiographic support. But all sialoliths do not present with predictable signs and symptoms and radiographic appearance. Sialoliths have a variety of manifestations and they may or may not be radiopaque. Non-radiopaque sialoliths are difficult to diagnose radiographically. Although newer techniques like CBCT, CT virtual sialandoscopy and established techniques like sialography, xeroradiography can be useful in selected cases. A regular CT scan is an excellent tool in the diagnosis of a non-radiopaque sialolith and associated salivary gland changes. CT scan should be considered as an important tool of imaging for diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up of all cases of sialoliths and associated pathologies of the salivary gland.