Magnetic resonance sialography of bilateral Stafne bone cavities

Stafne bone cavities (SBCs) are mandibular radiolucent lesions with challenging differential diagnoses. Many radiologic methods have been proposed to visualize the presence of salivary gland tissues inside the cavities. This report describes a case of bilateral angular mandibular radiolucent cavities located below the mandibular nerve canal. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed continuity between the submandibular glands and the tissue herniated into the cavities. The ductal system of the 2 submandibular glands was evaluated using MR sialography. MR sialography depicted opacification of the glandular ductal system distinct from the contents of the cavities up to its primary branches, confirming the diagnosis of SBC. MR sialography visualized the submandibular gland ducts and the presence of salivary gland tissue inside the mandibular cavities with precise topographic information. This technique does not involve cannulation or injection of contrast agents and does not expose a patient to radiation. MR sialography is a valuable addition to the common imaging procedures used in the investigation of SBCs.