Clinical Utility of Contemporary Digital Infusion Submandibular Sialography

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Salivary Gland Imaging
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Sialography, combining ductal dilation and hydrodilation with antimicrobial contrast, is used for diagnosis.
• The therapeutic potential of sialography remains under-investigated in large contemporary studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic value of diagnostic digital infusion submandibular sialography.
• To assess symptomatic response following the procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 135 consecutive submandibular sialograms (April 2008 - November 2024).
• Focus on symptomatic response in 67 patients with available follow-up data.
• Analysis of indications, symptom improvement rates, and correlation with radiographic findings.

Main Results:

• Symptomatic improvement was observed in 67% of patients (45/67).
• Complete symptom relief rarely required further treatment (15%).
• Distal strictures were associated with higher improvement rates (78% vs. 57%).
• Radiation dose for sialography (0.14 mSv) was significantly lower than preceding CT (1.94 mSv).

Conclusions:

• Diagnostic submandibular sialography demonstrates significant therapeutic efficacy.
• The procedure is associated with limited radiation exposure.
• Further prospective studies are warranted to fully elucidate its therapeutic impact.