Sialolithiasis with abscess: An uncommon presentation of a Ludwig's angina mimic.

Sialolithiasis represents the most common issue of the salivary gland, ranging from asymptomatic to airway compromising. In rapidly progressing, completely obstructive salivary stones, the presentation can mimic emergent oropharyngeal diseases, primarily Ludwig's angina. We present a case of a large and obstructive sialolith with abscess whose initial presentation was concerning for Ludwig's angina with impending airway compromise. While a common complaint, emergency providers should be aware of the nefarious presentation of an everyday complaint.

Sialolitiasis Parotídea. Dificultades en el diagnóstico. Presentación de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Parotid Sialolithiasis. Diagnosing complexities. Case report and literature review

Introducción: La sialolitiasis parotídea es una patología común de las glándulas salivales y puede dar lugar a atrofia glandular. Los sialolitos parotídeos son más raros que los submandibulares y su diagnóstico y tratamiento es más complejo, debido a la superposición de estructuras y a las dificultades de acceso. Caso clínico: Mujer, de 68 años, que acude con episodios inflamatorios recurrentes en la región geniana izquierda, coincidente con las comidas, y que, tras su paso por varios especialistas, acude a nuestro Servicio, en el que tras prescribir un CBCT con reconstrucción tridimensional se halla una pequeña estructura calcificada próxima a la parótida izquierda. Discusión: Los métodos de diagnóstico son variados y su utilización depende de la indicación. Entre las distintas pruebas figuran la resonancia magnética (RM), laa Tomografía Computerizada de Haz de Cono (CBCT) y la sialografía, siendo el método más eficaz de diagnóstico la combinación de estas. Los abordajes terapéuticos son diversos y dependen de multitud de factores, siendo los más utilizados la sialoendoscopia y el abordaje quirúrgico transoral. Conclusión: La sialolitiasis parotídea supone un reto, tanto diagnóstico como terapéutico, y es una situación clínica común por lo que en su tratamiento deben tenerse en cuenta muchos factores para elegir la alternativa que suponga una remoción completa del cálculo y pocas complicaciones a largo plazo

Introduction: Parotid stones are a common finding in salivary gland disorders and can lead to destruction of salivary tissue. Parotid calculi are rarer than submandibular calculi and their diagnosis and treatment are more challenging due to superimposition of hard structures and limited access. Clinical case: A female patient, 68 years old, is referred to our Service, after seeing different specialists, due to repeated inflammatory episodes of her left cheek area, which usually appear at mealtimes. After prescribing a CBCT with 3D reconstruction, a calcified structure can be seen next to the left parotid gland. Discussion: Diagnostic means are varied, and their use depends on their indication. Among diagnostic test, MRI, CBCT and sialography can be found, and usually combining them provides a more precise diagnosis. There are many therapeutical approaches, being sialoendoscopy and transoral approach the most common ones. Conclusion: Parotid sialolithiasis poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, and it is a relatively common clinical situation, thus, treatment must be tailored to obtain complete stone removal and a minimum of long-term complications

Association between cholelithiasis and sialolithiasis: Two longitudinal follow-up studies.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between cholelithiasis and sialolithiasis using a national sample cohort in Korea.The Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (patients ≥20 years old) was collected from 2002 to 2013. In study I, we extracted cholelithiasis patients (n = 21,170) and 1:4 matched control I subjects (n = 84,680) and analyzed the occurrence of sialolithiasis. In study II, we extracted sialolithiasis patients (n = 761) and 1:4 matched control II subjects (n = 3044) and analyzed the occurrence of cholelithiasis. Hazard ratios (HRs) were determined using the stratified Cox proportional hazard model.The HR for sialolithiasis was 1.49 (95% CI = 0.88-2.52) in the cholelithiasis group (P = .14), and the HR for cholelithiasis was 1.18 (95% CI = 0.53-2.59) in the sialolithiasis group (P = .69).We did not find an association between cholelithiasis and sialolithiasis.

Gland-preserving surgery for salivary stones and the utility of sialendoscopes.

BACKGROUND: Sialoendoscopy is the standard treatment for sialolithiasis; however, some patients may be unlikely to benefit from an endoscopic approach. This study assesses predictors of failure in the endoscopic management of sialoliths. METHODS: Patients treated for sialolithiasis from 2012 to 2017 at two centers were stratified into 3 groups: successful interventional sialendoscopy, incisional sialolithotomy, and gland excision. Patient, disease, and surgical factors were compared. RESULTS: Interventional sialendoscopy was attempted in 156 of 206 cases and successful for 42 (27%). Endoscopically retrieved calculi were smaller (4.96 mm) compared to incisional sialolithotomy (7.90 mm). Nonendoscopic approaches were required more often in submandibular cases 87% (P ≤ .005). Palpable stones were present in 74% of incisional sialolithotomies (P < .001). Submandibular location (OR 3.50, 1.53-7.98), palpability (OR 2.74, 1.21-6.18), CT localization (OR 3.05, 1.32-7.10, P = .010), and increased diameter (OR 1.25, 1.09-1.44) were predictive of incisional management. CONCLUSION: Stone size/location, CT-localization, and palpability were predictive of calculi that require an incisional approach. If these factors are recognized, the surgeon can consider proceeding directly to incisional sialolithotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The Role of Fetuin-A and Electrolytes in the Etiology of Sialolithiasis.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate serum and saliva fetuin-A, protein, and electrolyte levels in patients with sialolithiasis. Study Design Prospective randomized controlled study. Setting Tertiary center. Subjects and Methods Twenty patients with recurrent sialadenitis secondary to submandibular salivary gland stones and 20 asymptomatic healthy volunteers without salivary gland stones were included in the study. Bimanual palpation and ultrasonography were performed in the patient and control groups. The electrolyte, protein, and fetuin-A levels of the serum and saliva were measured. Results The serum calcium, phosphorus, and potassium levels of the patients were significantly lower than those of the control group (respectively, P = .04, P = .01, P = .04). There was no statistically significant difference between the serum fetuin-A levels of the 2 groups ( P = .06). The saliva phosphorus values of the patients were higher than those of the control group ( P = .05), as were their saliva fetuin-A and total protein values ( P = .001, P = .01). A positive correlation was determined between the saliva fetuin-A levels and the saliva phosphorus and potassium levels of the patients ( P = .04, P = .02). The magnesium level, which has been argued to be a factor in the prevention of calcification, showed an increased correlation with the total protein in the patient group ( P = .02). Conclusion It is possible that the high levels of saliva fetuin-A, total protein, and phosphorus with insufficient of saliva magnesium levels may make a contribution to the formation of sialoliths.

Extraoral surgical access for removal of intraparotid giant sialolith in young patient. A case report / Abordaje quirúrgico extraoral para la extracción de sialolito gigante intraparotídeo en un paciente joven. Presentación de un caso

Sialolithiasis is one of the most common diseases of salivary glands. Sialoliths mainly develop in the submandibular gland with few cases described in the parotid and sublingual glands. They are more common in adults between the third and fourth decades of life, and can affect the elderly and rarely children and adolescents. In most cases, they are located in the ducts, but parenchymal location is unusual. Clinical signs of sialolithiasis are well known; however, they may appear in atypical sites, making it difficult to locate and diagnose them precisely. In these cases, the use of complementary imaging examinations, such as computerized tomography, is critical to delimit the lesion and determine the treatment plan. Therefore, the description of this clinical case of a parotid sialolith, with atypical location, in a 17-year-old patient, that was surgically removed by extraoral access after determining its correct location by using computerized tomography imaging is relevant and important (AU)

La sialolitiasis es una de las enfermedades más frecuentes de las glándulas salivales. Los sialolitos pueden formarse en la glándula submandibular, y son pocos los casos que se describen en las glándulas parótida y sublingual. Son más comunes en los adultos entre la tercera y la cuarta décadas de la vida, y pueden darse en los ancianos y, excepcionalmente, en los niños y adolescentes. En la mayor parte de los casos, se encuentran en los conductos, y la localización parenquimatosa es poco habitual. Los signos clínicos de la sialolitiasis son bien conocidos; sin embargo, pueden aparecer en localizaciones atípicas, lo cual dificulta su localización y diagnóstico precisos. En tales casos, el uso de técnicas de imagen complementarias, como la tomografía computarizada es crucial para delimitar la lesión y determinar el plan de tratamiento. Así pues, la descripción de este caso clínico de un sialolito parotídeo con una localización atípica, en un paciente de 17 años, que se extrajo con un abordaje extraoral tras determinar su localización exacta mediante tomografía computarizada tiene interés e importancia (AU)

Etiologic factors in sialolithiasis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate etiologic factors for sialolithiasis in a population of patients from the United States. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary university. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Charts for all patients diagnosed with sialolithiasis between January 2001 and February 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic factors, smoking history, comorbid medical conditions, and medication history were recorded. Statistical analyses were then performed on the collected data. Population prevalences of smoking, diuretic usage, cholelithiasis, and nephrolithiasis were obtained through literature review. RESULTS: A total of 153 patients with sialolithiasis were identified. Of these patients, 125 (82%) had submandibular sialolithiasis, and 28 (18%) had parotid sialolithiasis. Positive smoking histories were present in 67 individuals (44%). Both the current rate of smoking and the rate of a history of smoking were higher in our cohort when compared with the general population, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. Smoking history did not correlate with the size of the primary sialolith. Diuretic usage in the cohort was observed at a rate of 20%, higher than reported population rates of diuretic use of 8.7%. The prevalences of cholelithiasis and nephrolithiasis were not different from observed population rates. CONCLUSIONS: Sialolithiasis is an uncommon condition of unclear etiology. This study represents an initial attempt to quantify the prevalence of smoking and diuretic therapy in a population of patients with sialolithiasis.

Causes, natural history, and incidence of salivary stones and obstructions.

Uncertainty about the causes and natural history of salivary stones (sialoliths) and other obstructions is being dispelled by clinical and experimental research. Sialoliths are now shown to be secondary to chronic obstructive sialadenitis. Microscopic stones (sialomicroliths) accumulate during secretory inactivity in normal salivary glands and produce atrophic foci by obstruction. Microbes ascend the main salivary duct during secretory inactivity and proliferate in atrophic foci and cause spreading inflammation, leading to inflammatory swelling and fibrosis that can compress large ducts. This leads to stagnation of secretory material rich in calcium that precipitates onto degenerating cellular membranes to form a sialolith.

Glandular function after intraoral removal of salivary calculi from the hilum of the submandibular gland.

We studied 43 patients (25 women and 18 men) who had salivary calculi removed from the hilum of the submandibular gland. Preoperatively they had clinical and radiographic examinations, and glandular function was measured scintigraphically in 38 patients. Postoperative follow-up was based on history, clinical examination, structured questionnaire, and scintigraphy. Stone(s) were removed successfully in 42 patients (97%). During the follow-up of a mean of 24 months (range 4-47), 37 patients were symptom-free and 2 patients had mild obstructive symptoms that did not require intervention. The other 4 patients had repeated infections that necessitated removal of the gland under general anaesthesia. Preoperative and postoperative scintigraphic assessments were made in 37 patients (88%). There was a significant increase in the functional fraction and the excretion rate in the gland after removal of the calculus. We conclude that glandular function improves to varying degrees in most patients after the removal of a salivary calculus.

[A new therapeutic approach to salivary calculi: extracorporeal lithotripsy]. / Nouvelle approche thérapeutique des calculs salivaires: la lithotrypsie extra corporelle.

A common pathology of the salivary gland, salivary lithiases are usually removed by open surgery. Most frequently localized in the sub-mandibular gland, calculi can also occur in the parotid gland. We developed a new procedure to treat salivary lithiasis using extracorporeal electromagnetic shock waves. New material was especially adapted for the salivary gland for lithotripsy without anesthesia. Two-hundred patients were treated; 63% had not lithiasis after treatment and 37% had small residual stones measuring less than 3 mm; 97% of the patients were symptom-free and salivary excretion was improved. We believe that extracorporeal electromagnetic shock waves is a safe noninvasive and well tolerated alternative to open surgery. We use lithotripsy as first line therapy for salivary lithiasis.

Sialoendoscopy: three years' experience as a diagnostic and treatment modality.

PURPOSE: This article describes the use of endoscopy for treating sialolithiasis and compares this diagnostic method with other diagnostic methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-six major salivary glands suspected for obstructive pathology (26 males and 20 females aged 12 to 65 years) were treated using a rigid mini endoscope. The indications for sialoendoscopy were 1) screening the ductal system for any residual calculi after sialolith removal, and 3) determining the status of the major duct lumens. RESULTS: Of the 46 endoscopies attempted, 5 were immediate failures as a result of technical problems. Of the remaining 41 patients, 32 had salivary stones, and nine had sialadenitis without evidence of sialolith formation. Within the former group (22 submandibular and 10 parotid), there were four patients in whom sialolithotomy was unsuccessful (three submandibular and one parotid). Of the 22 patients with submandibular sialolithiasis, seven (32%) were undetected by imaging methods (conventional radiography, sialography, and ultrasound). In the 10 parotid ducts, seven (70%) sialoliths were undetected. In the 28 patients who underwent successful calculus removal, no major post-operative complications were noted. Interesting findings noted during endoscopy were a sphincter-like mechanism in the ductal system, evidence of ductal wall changes associated with the presence of salivary stones, peculiar connection between calculi and the ductal wall, a salivary stone forming around a hair inclusion, and the presence of polyps projecting into the duct lumen. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopy is a minimally invasive technique for removal of calculi from the salivary glands as well as an excellent diagnostic procedure.

[Implementation and indications for quantitative sialoscintigraphy]. / Durchführung und Indikationen der quantitativen Sialoszintigraphie.

BACKGROUND: Since its introduction in 1965 salivary gland scintigraphy has been an established method to simultaneously investigate excretion function in major salivary glands. In order to elucidate parenchymal function of salivary glands, several authors described various quantitative and semiquantitative methods. However, no standardized protocol for quantitative salivary gland scintigraphy has been established so far. METHODS: Therefore, in this paper we report on a standardized and validated acquisition protocol for salivary gland scintigraphy using 99mTc-pertechnetate. RESULTS: A normal data base for both parenchymal and excretion function is given in detail. In addition, the diagnostic value of salivary gland scintigraphy is reviewed in various clinical settings, such as mild parenchymal damage in beginning Sjögren's syndrome, proof of functional obstruction in sialolithiasis with and without parenchymal damage, and parenchymal damage following radioiodine treatment. In a second part, applications of salivary gland scintigraphy in current clinical research are described, and radiation protection of salivary glands in rabbits and patients treated with high doses of I-131 are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary gland scintigraphy is a study that is easily performed and well tolerated by the patient. It yields quantitative parameters for parenchymal function and excretion fraction.

[The relationship of function and pathology of submandibular gland with sialolithiasis].

Submandibular glands with sialolithiasis are analysed histopathologically. The formation of the calculi of the submandibular glands may be related to the sialoadentitis and to the changes of saliva composition. Mineralization of the organic matrix may be one of the cause of calculus formation. By comparison of the glandular function with the pathology of the gland, it shows that the reduction of glandular function is associated with the severity of grandular inflammation. When function index is normal, grandular inflammation is in the Stage I or II, while it decreases or zero, grandular inflammation is in the Stage III or IV. Glandular function index may predict the severity of grandular inflammation.

Sialolithectomy done with a CO2 laser: clinical and scintigraphic results.

PURPOSE: This study reviews the results of sialolithectomy performed with the CO2 laser. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients were treated under local anesthesia at initial presentation in the outpatient clinic. RESULTS: All patients had immediate relief after surgery. Clinical and scintographic follow-up of up to 28 months on 27 patients showed that all but 1 were asymptomatic. The single exception required excision of the submandibular gland because of two recurrences of sialoliths in Wharton's duct. Although some glands had no function clinically and scintigraphically, they were asymptomatic and needed no further treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary glands that are nonfunctioning clinically and scintigraphically should only be removed when there is a recurrence of symptoms.

Salivary gland function after sialolithiasis: scintigraphic examination of submandibular glands with 99mTc-pertechnetate.

Scintigraphic evaluation of 13 cases of submandibular duct sialolithiasis was performed to determine glandular function and to estimate the justification for sialoadenectomy. Twenty-two per cent of these glands showed no function despite sialolithectomy, which suggests that it would be reasonable to excise submandibular salivary glands that have no recovery of function. However, the remaining 78% of the glands showed varying degrees of recovery of function, indicating that sialolithectomy should be done first, followed by 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphic examination to determine the necessity of further sialoadenectomy.

[Biochemical aspects of human salivary gland secretions]. / Die Biochemie der menschlichen Speicheldrüsensekrete.

Salivary secretions fulfill some specific functions within the human organism, which are explained. The scientific research concerning these fluids dealt during the last years especially with the formation of these secretions within the glands. These investigations have been performed mostly in animal experiments. The results obtained are briefly summarized. For investigations in human salivary secretions, it was necessary to develop some new techniques for collecting the secretions from separate glands. The interpretation of sialo-chemical facts is often difficult as there are many factors, influencing the flow-rate and the composition of the fluids. These factors, as known up to now, are explained. In separate chapters, the inorganic and organic composition of human salivary secretions is described. Concerning the protein-composition of human saliva, there are some newer results as aspects, which are discussed. It must be the aim of a chemical analysis to discover the interrelation between the differences in salivary secretions and pathological conditions. Therefore changes of the salivary secretions in systemic diseases are reported as well as changes in the compositions of these fluids in pathological conditions of the glands themselves. According to the results from own experiments and from the literature, it should be possible in the future, to develop some new diagnostic methods by analysing the salivary secretions.