ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the value of cone beam CT(CBCT) scanning following parotid sialography in the diagnosis of chronic parotitis.Methods:20 cases of suspected chronic parotitis patients underwent parotid gland sialography followed by CBCT scanning.The images were observed by transverse plane,coronal plane,sagittal plane of multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and 3D reconstruction.Results:The acinus and ducts system of parotid were clearly displayed from any orientation by MPR and 3D-reconstructed images.The images of 6 cases of chronic recurrent parotitis in CBCT sialography were charactered by punctiform dilatation in whole parotid gland,4 of them showed a normal ductal system,while 2 exhibited expression of ductal inflammation.The images of 14 cases of chronic obstructive parotitis showed irregular ductal dilatations and stenosis.Punctiform dilatations were found in 2 cases,and small filling defects (negative salivary calculi) in 3 cases.Conclusion:CBCT sialography is an effective clinical examination for the diagnosis and treatment chronic parotitis.