MR sialographic assessment of the masseter muscle and the ductal kinking in patients with recurrent parotitis.

Dysfunction of the masseter muscle may cause pathological kinking of the parotid duct leading to parotitis; MR sialography is a non-invasive radiological examination that allows to evaluate dynamically the ductal system of the parotid glands. In the present study we aimed to assess the relationships between Stensen's duct and masseter muscle and their implications in the aetiopathogenesis of recurrent parotitis secondary to masseter muscle dysfunction. Forty-one patients with recurrent unilateral parotitis and nine with bilateral recurrent parotitis, all with a clinical suspicious of masseter muscle hypertrophy due to bruxism were enrolled. They underwent ultrasonography as a first line examination and then MR sialography and sialendoscopy. Different anatomical features were studied. Involved parotid glands had a wider duct compared to contralateral unaffected parotid glands of patients with recurrent parotitis (p = 0.00134); male subjects with parotitis had a longer duct compared to the salivary glands of healthy patients (p = 0.00943 for affected glands and p = 0.00629 for the contralateral). A concordance between the evidence of an acute duct angle during sialendoscopy and a wider duct in patients with parotitis was observed although not statistically significant. These initial findings suggest that the masticatory muscle dysfunction related to bruxism seems to condition alteration of parotid duct course and anatomy thus favouring the occurrence of recurrent parotitis. A specific diagnostic iter based on clinical evaluation, dynamic ultrasonography and MR sialography, is therefore, mandatory to confirm the relationship between masseter muscle anatomy and parotid duct anomalies; this is the premise for an adequate therapeutic approach to underlying masticatory muscle disorder.

The anterior lobe of the parotid gland: a CT sialographic study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the imaging and anatomic features of the anterior lobe (AL) of the superficial parotid gland (SPG). METHODS: Computed tomographic sialography examinations were undertaken for 142 parotid glands in 77 patients. Whole computer tomography (CT) data were analyzed using multi-planar reformation and maximum intensity projection to generate sialographic CT images. The tributary ducts of the SPG were analyzed to classify the parotid morphology. Three-dimensional analyses were used to investigate the AL and its relationship with adjacent anatomic landmarks. RESULTS: Four major types (I-IV) and 2 minor types (V-VI) of the AL and the superficial parotid gland were observed. Type I AL (83/142) was contiguous and not separated from the retromandibular parotid gland. Type II AL (16/142) was detached from the retromandibular parotid gland with 1-4 tributary ducts. Type III AL (12/142) showed a small isolated lobe above the Stensen duct around the anterior edge of the masseter. Type IV (28/142) showed the absence of the AL. Type V (3/142) shows the absence of the retromandibular parotid gland. Type VI (3/142) showed the presence of ectopic salivary gland beneath the Stensen duct anterior to the retromandibular parotid gland. CONCLUSIONS: The AL gives rise to the morphological variations of the superficial parotid gland. AL also gives rise to the accessory parotid gland when it is detached from the retromandibular parotid gland.

A comparative study of three-dimensional cone-beam CT sialography and MR sialography for the detection of non-tumorous salivary pathologies.

BACKGROUND: Imaging of the salivary ductal system is relevant prior to an endoscopic or a surgical procedure. Various imaging modalities can be used for this purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic capability of three-dimensional (3D)-cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) sialography versus magnetic resonance (MR) sialography in non-tumorous salivary pathologies. METHODS: This prospective, monocenter, pilot study compared both imaging modalities in 46 patients (mean age 50.1 ± 14.9 years) referred for salivary symptoms. The analyses were performed by two independent radiologists and referred to identification of a salivary disease including sialolithiasis, stenosis, or dilatation (primary endpoint). The location and size of an abnormality, the last branch of division of the salivary duct that can be visualized, potential complications, and exposure parameters were also collected (secondary endpoints). RESULTS: Salivary symptoms involved both the submandibular (60.9%) and parotid (39.1%) glands. Sialolithiasis, dilatations, and stenosis were observed in 24, 25, and 9 patients, respectively, with no statistical differences observed between the two imaging modalities in terms of lesion identification (p1 = 0.66, p2 = 0.63, and p3 = 0.24, respectively). The inter-observer agreement was perfect (> 0.90) for lesion identification. MR sialography outperformed 3D-CBCT sialography for visualization of salivary stones and dilatations, as evidenced by higher positive percent agreement (sensitivity) of 0.90 [95% CI 0.70-0.98] vs. 0.82 [95% CI 0.61-0.93], and 0.84 [95% CI 0.62-0.94] vs. 0.70 [95% CI 0.49-0.84], respectively. For the identification of stenosis, the same low positive percent agreement was obtained with both procedures (0.20 [95% CI 0.01-0.62]). There was a good concordance for the location of a stone (Kappa coefficient of 0.62). Catheterization failure was observed in two patients by 3D-CBCT sialography. CONCLUSIONS: Both imaging procedures warrant being part of the diagnostic arsenal of non-tumorous salivary pathologies. However, MR sialography may be more effective than 3D-CBCT sialography for the identification of sialolithiasis and ductal dilatations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02883140.

A comparative study of three-dimensional cone beam computed tomographic sialography and ultrasonography in the detection of non-tumoral salivary duct diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the overall diagnostic outcomes of 3D-CBCT sialography and ultrasonography (US) in the detection of sialolithiasis, ductal dilatation, and ductal stenosis. METHODS: This retrospective monocentric study compared the two imaging modalities carried out in the same patients referred for salivary symptoms of the parotid and submandibular glands. The primary endpoint was the capacity of the imaging procedure to diagnose a lesion. The secondary objectives were the detection rates according to the type of lesion, analysis of the causes of failure, and the parameters of radiation exposure and safety (for 3D-CBCT sialography). RESULTS: Of the 236 patients who received a 3D-CBCT sialography in our institution, 157 were ultimately included in the per-protocol analysis. 3D-CBCT sialography allowed detection of ductal lesions in 113 patients versus 86 with US. The two imaging modalities yielded congruent interpretations in 104 out of 157 subjects (66.2%). Higher sensitivity and negative predictive value were observed with 3D-CBCT sialography compared with US, irrespective of the lesions studied: 0.85 vs 0.65 and 0.70 vs 0.44, respectively. Regarding the sialolithiasis, both 3D-CBCT sialography and US allowed identification of lesions with high sensitivity and negative predictive value (0.80 vs 0.75 and 0.88 vs 0.78, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: US remains the first-line examination for exploration of the salivary lesions. 3D-CBCT sialography is an alternative in case of inconclusive US, and prior to any endoscopic procedure.

Optimizing effective dose and image quality in cone beam CT sialography.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop protocols that optimize patient radiation dose and image quality for cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) sialography for the major salivary glands. STUDY DESIGN: Radiation absorbed dose measurements were repeated in triplicate using 25 sites in the head and neck of a Radiation ANalog DOsimetry system (RANDO) phantom, and effective doses were calculated across a range of peak kilovoltage (kVp) and milliamperage (mA) settings using an 8 cm (diameter) by 5 cm (height) field of view (FOV) for submandibular imaging and an 8 cm (diameter) by 8 cm (height) FOV for parotid imaging. Image signal difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) was determined, and the figure-of-merit (FOM), a measure of image quality, was calculated. RESULTS: For submandibular sialography, 85 kVp and 6 mA were chosen as the optimal exposure parameters, resulting in a mean effective dose of 82.47 µSv and a mean SDNR of 13.86, with a mean FOM of 2.33 µSv-1. For parotid sialography, 70 kVp and 6 mA were chosen, and these settings resulted in a mean effective dose of 39.99 µSv, a mean SDNR of 17.43, and a mean FOM of 7.60 µSv-1. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose 3-dimensional sialography with high image quality and minimal effective dose can be delivered using CBCT with localized, small FOVs.

Iodinated contrast media allergy is rare in patients undergoing sialography.

BACKGROUND: Iodinated contrast media allergy is considered as a strong contra-indication for performing sialography. There is little evidence to support this approach. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rate of iodinated contrast media (ICM) allergy in subjects undergoing sialography and to assess the risk for allergic responses in patients with a previous diagnosis of allergy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed sialo-CBCT studies performed from 2014 to 2019. During the study period we implemented a protocol for performing sialo-CBCT in patients with a prior diagnosis of allergy: 1) Clinical data were collected from a questionnaire and medical records. 2) No premedication was administered but, instead, oxygen, epinephrine and a resuscitation cart were accessible. 3) Following the procedure, each patient was observed for one hour and contacted by telephone 24 hrs later. RESULTS: No allergic responses were documented in the medical records of 1515 subjects following sialo-CBCT studies, including 13 individuals previously diagnosed with ICM allergy. Investigation of the subgroup with prior allergy disclosed that the range of injected volume was between 2 ml to 6.2 ml per patient and that complete secretion of ICM was detected in 7 of 13 patients. In the remainder of subjects, retention rates of 5-50% were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Allergic reactions are exceedingly rare following sialo-CBCT studies regardless of a previous diagnosis of allergy. Pre-medication with corticosteroids and antihistamines is usually not warranted.

Correlations of MR Sialographic Gradings with the Clinical Measures of Sjögren's Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Sjögren syndrome (SS) features salivary gland architectural changes such as ductal deformities and fat deposition secondary to inflammatory cell infiltrates; however, the anatomical and pathophysiological correlations of SS remain to be determined. This study aimed to determine the correlations of imaging findings based on the magnetic resonance (MR) sialography with the clinical and laboratory aspects of SS patients. METHODS: We evaluated the MR sialographic findings of two pairs of parotid glands (PGs) and submandibular glands (SMGs) from 41 SS patients. The distinct MR sialographic features were then compared with the clinical symptoms, biological (anti-SSA/Ro antibody positivity), histological (labial gland focus score), and functional (salivary flow and scintigraphy) data. RESULTS: Ductal deformities such as sialectasis in the PG ducts were exclusively observed in SS, and fat replacement in SMGs was more distinct in patients with SS than in non-SS sicca patients. Of the 82 PGs and SMGs from 41 SS patients, the grade of sialectasis in PGs on MR sialographic images and fat stage in SMGs showed strong correlations with anti-SSA/Ro-positivity. PG sialectasis was found more frequently in patients with dry mouth and decreased salivary gland function. A significant correlation was found between fat deposition in PGs and SMGs and decreased salivary gland function. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MR sialography is a reliable, adjunctive anatomical and functional study to assess SS. Detail aspects of sialectasis and fat accumulation encountered on MR sialography in SS patients can help physicians assume the disease status in SS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:307-316, 2023.

Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis due to an Abnormal Wharton's Duct Draining to the Tonsillar Fossa.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive sialadenitis (COS) is an entity that causes a marked loss in patient quality of life, including changes in eating habits and a progressive loss of gland function. It is characterized by repeated episodes of painful glandular swelling often requiring emergency care. There are multiple causes of COS, including lithiasis, strictures, anatomical variants, and others. The development of specific imaging tests such as magnetic resonance (MR) sialography or sialendoscopy have increased knowledge of these obstructions and how to specifically treat them. CASE SUMMARY: We present an unusual case of a woman with a years-long history of chronic obstructive sialadenitis in which an abnormal path of Wharton's duct was in evidence. This duct, which was atrophic and smaller in diameter, opened in the tonsillar fossa rather than lateral to the lingual frenulum. This case, the first in vivo description of its kind, was confirmed by MR sialography and sialendoscopy. DISCUSSION: Congenital anomalies of the submandibular duct are a rare finding, but may cause COS. Therefore, COS requires a detailed diagnostic study, usually by ultrasound, MR sialography and sialendoscopy, to rule out complex anatomical variants.

Value of magnetic resonance imaging and sialography of the parotid gland for diagnosis of primary Sjögren syndrome.

AIM: To evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance sialography (MRS) for diagnosis of primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) singly or integrated with 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatic Diseases (EULAR) classification criteria. METHODS: The diagnostic efficiencies of MRI, MRS, and labial salivary gland biopsy (LSGB) were evaluated. The prediction model was established by multivariate analysis. Finally, performance of the ACR/EULAR criteria was evaluated after addition of MRI + MRS or replacement of original items by MRI + MRS. RESULTS: The combined use of LSGB + MRI + MRS provided the greatest diagnostic value. MRI and MRS grade had positive correlations with disease duration and pathological grade of the labial gland (both P < 0.001). MRI and MRS grade had positive correlations with xerostomia severity and negative correlations with unstimulated salivary flow rate (both P < 0.001). The consistency of MRI grade and MRS grade in the diagnosis of parotid gland lesions was poor (κ = 0.253, P < 0.001). The diagnostic efficiency of our prediction model (AUC 0.906) was similar to that of criteria from the ACR/EULAR (AUC 0.930). Adding MRI + MRS to the ACR/EULAR criteria improved the sensitivity (92.3% vs 90.8%), whereas the specificity remained the same (88.9% vs 89.1%). Replacing LSGB by MRI + MRS in the ACR/EULAR criteria decreased both sensitivity and specificity (88.1% vs 90.8% and 86.4% vs 89.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The combined application of MRI and MRS has ideal clinical application value in the diagnosis of early-stage pSS. Validity of the ACR/EULAR criteria remains high after incorporation of MRI + MRS.

Sialography: a pictorial review.

Non-tumour inflammatory and obstructive salivary gland pathologies such as sialadenitis, sialolithiasis, sialadenosis, ductal strictures, etc. require precise radiological evaluation and mapping of salivary gland ductal system for better treatment outcome. Conventional sialography is considered as a useful and reliable technique in evaluation of salivary glands especially intrinsic and acquired abnormalities involving the ductal system and is useful for detection of non-radiopaque sialoliths which are invisible on routine plain radiographs. Primarily sialography is used as a diagnostic tool, additionally it plays an important therapeutic role as salivary gland lavage in cases of recurrent salivary gland infections and in obstructive salivary gland disorders by helping in clearance of mucous plugs or small sialoliths within the ducts. Recently, diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) sialography is being explored and has been reported to have high sensitivity in detection of small sialoliths and allows differentiation of sialoliths from other calcifications in glandular ductal system. Multiplanar three dimensional (3D) reconstructed CT images have been reported to play a key role in determination of anatomical location or extent of salivary gland disease without superimposition or distortion of structures. This review aims to discuss the disease specific applications of sialography and CT Sialography in particular for visualization of salivary gland disorders.

Radiographic findings of space-occupying lesions in sialo-CBCT of the major salivary glands.

OBJECTIVES: When performing CBCT sialography (sialo-CBCT), space-occupying lesions may be identified incidentally. The objective was to describe their radiologic-clinical-histopathologic correlations. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The archive of sialo-CBCT scans was retrospectively searched for suspected space-occupying lesions. Based on the scan and clinical-histopathologic data, the cases were divided into "pathologic" vs "normal," "intra-parenchymal" vs "extra-parenchymal," and "benign" vs "malignant." Two precalibrated, blinded radiologists performed a survey of the radiographic features of each scan. Cohen kappa, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests assessed inter-observer agreement and radiologic-clinical-histopathologic correlations. RESULTS: In total, 27 (1.5%) suspected space-occupying lesions were found in 1,758 reports. Full follow-up data were available for 15 cases: four were "malignant," six were "benign," and the remaining five were "normal." Kappa showed substantial inter-observer agreement (0.8 to 1.0). Constant swelling correlated with "pathologic" cases (P = .003). Lesion diameter was greater in "pathologic" than "normal" (P < .001) cases, with a cut-off of 12.6 mm. Clinical and radiographic features were similar in "benign" and "malignant" lesions. "Intra-parenchymal" and "extra-parenchymal" space-occupying lesions correlated with "no-fill-region" (P = .01) and "main-duct-displacement" (P = .002), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Suspected space-occupying lesions in sialo-CBCT with a diameter greater than 12.6 mm are likely to be "pathologic." No radiographic features were able to differentiate between "malignant" and "benign" space-occupying lesions.

Clinical and CT sialography findings in 22 dogs with surgically confirmed sialoceles.

Sialoceles are an uncommon canine salivary gland disease, and complete surgical resection is important for a positive outcome. Radiographic sialography has been described as a diagnostic test for presurgical planning; however, superimposition artifacts may limit the diagnosis and detection of all affected glands. Computed tomographic (CT) sialography is a promising technique for delineating the salivary gland apparatus. The aims of this retrospective, observational study were to describe clinical and CT sialographic findings in a group of dogs with confirmed sialoceles, to determine the sensitivity of CT sialography for detecting affected salivary glands using surgery as the reference standard and to determine interobserver agreement for CT sialographic assessments. Dogs were included if they underwent a CT sialography study followed by surgical resection of the diseased gland(s) and histopathological analysis. Computed tomography sialography studies of dogs with surgically confirmed sialoceles (n = 22) were reviewed by a European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI)-certified radiologist and an ECVDI resident. Interobserver agreement was calculated using Cohen's kappa statistics. CT sialography results were compared to surgical findings to determine sensitivity. Contrast leakage was detected in 12 of 22 dogs (54.5%), with intrasialocele leakage being most frequently observed (7/12, 58.3%). There was substantial agreement (κ = 0.70) between reviewers identifying diseased glands, substantial agreement (κ = 0.62) on the diagnostic quality, and no to slight agreement (к = 0.13) in the detection of contrast leakage. The overall sensitivity of CT sialography to detect surgically confirmed diseased glands was 66.7% (95% confidence interval: 48.8-80.8). In conclusion, these findings support the use of CT sialography as an adjunct diagnostic test for treatment planning in dogs with sialoceles.

Prospective assessment of sparing the parotid ducts via MRI sialography for reducing patient reported xerostomia.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of prospectively sparing the parotid ducts via MRI sialography on patient reported xerostomia for those receiving definitive radiotherapy (RT) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-eight patients with oropharynx cancer to be treated with definitive RT underwent pre-treatment MRI sialograms to localize their parotid ducts. The parotid ducts were maximally spared during treatment planning. Patients reported symptoms (PRO-CTCAE and QLQ-H&N35) were collected at 6 and 12 months post-RT and compared to a historical cohort who underwent conventional parotid gland mean dose sparing. Regression models were generated using parotid and submandibular gland doses with and without incorporating the dose to the parotid ducts to determine the impact of parotid duct dose on patient reported xerostomia. RESULTS: At 6 months post-RT, 12/26 (46%) patients reported ≥moderate xerostomia when undergoing parotid ductal sparing compared to 43/61 (70%) in the historical cohort (p = 0.03). At 12 months post-RT, 8/22 (36%) patients reported ≥moderate xerostomia when undergoing parotid ductal sparing compared to 34/68(50%) in the historical cohort (p = 0.08). Using nested logistic regression models, the mean parotid duct dose was found to significantly relate to patient reported xerostomia severity at 6 months post-RT (p = 0.04) and trended towards statistical significance at 12 months post-RT (p = 0.09). At both 6 and 12 months post-RT, the addition of mean parotid duct dose significantly improved model fit (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MRI sialography guided parotid duct sparing appears to reduce the rates of patient-reported xerostomia. Further, logistic regression analysis found parotid duct dose to be significantly associated with patient reported xerostomia. A significant improvement in model fit was observed when adding mean parotid duct dose compared to models that only contain mean parotid gland dose and mean contralateral submandibular gland dose.

Utility of Ultrasonography for Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Sialolithiasis: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that ultrasonography for salivary gland stone detection would have a diagnostic accuracy similar to that confirmed by sialendoscopy, sialography, or surgery. Therefore, we evaluated the diagnostic characteristics of ultrasonography in terms of submandibular and parotid stone detection compared to confirmatory methods. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane database to October 31, 2021. The risk of bias was evaluated using the QADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: Ten studies involving 1393 patients were included in the analysis. The diagnostic odds ratio of ultrasonography was 162.6013 (95% confidence interval [CI] [53.9883; 489.7208] and I2 value 81.0%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.963. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were 0.8992 (95% CI [0.8534; 0.9318]; I2  = 79.9%), 0.9664 (95% CI [0.9290; 0.9844], I2  = 65.6%), 0.8076 (95% CI [0.7256; 0.8694]; I2  = 80.4%), and 0.9853 (95% CI [0.9629; 0.9943]; I2  = 77.4%), respectively. However, high-level among-study heterogeneity (I2 ≥ 50%) was evident, attributable to the inclusion of different glands. On subgroup analysis, significant differences in the negative predictive values (parotid gland only [0.9392], submandibular gland only [0.6718], and parotid and submandibular glands [0.8105]) were apparent. We found no significant among-study difference in the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, or diagnostic odds ratio (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography usefully detects submandibular and parotid gland stones. Ultrasonography of the parotid gland was associated with the highest diagnostic accuracy, but further clinical studies are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 132:1785-1791, 2022.

Treatment of juvenile recurrent parotitis with irrigation therapy without anesthesia.

PURPOSE: No standardized treatment regimen exists for juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP). The investigators hypothesized that irrigation with saline only without local anesthesia will be an effective and beneficial option. METHODS: Using a retrospective study design, a series of children with typical symptoms of JRP who were treated with at least one irrigation therapy were evaluated. This treatment consisted of irrigation of the affected gland with 3-10 ml saline solution without any type of anesthesia. The outcome variables were patient/parent satisfaction, frequency and duration of acute JRP episodes, and the need for antibiotics before and after irrigation therapy. RESULTS: The case series was composed of six boys aged 3.3-7.7 years who experienced one to eight sessions of irrigation therapy. The period of follow-up was 9-64 months. We observed a total resolution of symptoms in two children and an improvement in the other four. No relevant side effects were seen. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that irrigation therapy is a reasonable, simple, and minimally invasive treatment alternative for JRP. In contrast to sialendoscopy or sialography, there is no need for general anesthesia or radiation exposure.

Wound of the Parotid Duct Following a Subcondylar Fracture.

Salivary gland and duct complications following surgical approaches to condylar fractures are well known, particularly in approaches requiring parotid tissue dissection. We report a rare case of a parotid duct wound caused by the fracture itself and due to a lateral displacement of the condylar fragment. Four days after the surgical management of a trifocal mandibular fracture (head fracture on the left side, laterally displaced condylar base and angular fracture on the right side) the patient presented with a fluctuating subcutaneous swelling in the right cheek, evoking a sialocele. The sialography showed a massive leak of iodinated contrast medium just in front of the parotid hilum, joining the subcutaneous undermining made during the approach and confirmed the diagnosis of a parotid duct wound. A pressure dressing was applied to the right mandibular angle for 2 weeks, allowing for complete remission. In conclusion, this unusual clinical case illustrates the fact that the parotid duct may be endangered in the event of condylar base fractures, not only by the surgical approach but also by the fracture itself, especially when there is severe lateral displacement.

Differences between radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis and chronic obstructive parotitis.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the differences in the diagnosis and treatment outcomes between radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis (RAIS) and chronic obstructive parotitis (COP). The study cohort comprised 47 consecutive patients diagnosed with RAIS and 50 patients with COP. All patients were treated by interventional endoscopy. Clinical, sialography, and endoscopy characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups. Compared with the COP group, the RAIS group included more females (male:female ratio 1:8.4 vs 1:2.1; P = 0.011) and had a younger onset age (42 vs 50 years; P = 0.001) and shorter disease duration prior to hospital visit (5.4 vs 34.8 months; P < 0.001). In the RAIS group, sialography revealed obliteration of the main duct (20.4% vs 0%; P < 0.001), non-visualization of the main gland (23.7% vs 0%; P < 0.001), and incomplete contrast filling of the main gland (19.4% vs 6.4%; P = 0.008), which were scarcely observed in the COP group. Endoscopy revealed a higher percentage of duct atresia in RAIS compared to COP (20.4% vs 0%; P < 0.001). During follow-up, a higher percentage of RAIS patients had duct atresia and gland atrophy (49.5% vs 1.1%, P < 0.001). Compared with COP, RAIS more commonly involves younger females and has a shorter disease duration. Atresia of the main duct and atrophy of the gland parenchyma occur more often despite the use of interventional endoscopy.

Standardization of terminology, imaging features, and interpretation of CBCT sialography of major salivary glands: a clinical review.

Sialography combined with cone beam computerized tomography (sialo-CBCT) is an imaging technique that demonstrates the ductal system of the major salivary glands and allows evaluation of gland function. This review describes the sialo-CBCT technique, terminology, common pitfalls and limitations, as well as radiographic features and suggested pathogenicity of various salivary gland disorders, based on 1,758 sialo-CBCT examinations conducted over the last decade in one institution, and the current literature. The adoption of standardized terminology is proposed to prevent miscommunication, facilitate formulation of differential diagnoses, and thereby promote patient management: (1) Sialo-CBCT requires specific training, and operator experience is required for adequate glandular filling with minimal extravasation; (2) Limit injection-to-scan time to avoid pre-mature emptying; (3) The sialo-CBCT report should include a description of the morphology of the primary duct as well as the secondary, tertiary, and descending branches, the maximal branching level, the presence of sialectasis, overall glandular size, and parenchymal findings; (4) Functional evaluation is based on assessment of iodine clearance in the post evacuation image; (5) Sialectasis and ductopenia are the main findings in Sjogren syndrome and recurrent juvenile parotitis; (6) Sialodochitis with or without fillings defects or hyperdense calcifications characterize obstructive sialadenitis and sialolithiasis; (7) The findings following radioactive-iodine-induced damage are similar to obstructive sialadenitis, with atrophy in late stages; (8) In chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), variable presentations of ductopenia, sialectasis, and sialodochitis may be evident; (9) The red flags indicating a space-occupying lesion include areas of no filling, splaying of ducts, and primary duct deviation.

Allergy-Related Sialodochitis: A Preliminary Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To explore the clinically feasible diagnosis criteria and treatment outcomes of allergy-related sialodochitis (ARS). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective Cohort Study. METHODS: Ninety-six consecutive patients were enrolled by the following criteria: 1) recurrent swelling of ≥2 large salivary glands that lasted for ≥3 months; 2) with mucus plug exudations; 3) with atopic diseases; 4) ductal stenosis and/or ectasia. Sixty-four patients with elevation of peripheral blood eosinophil (PBE) and/or serum IgE level comprised group A (highly-suspected ARS group), while the remaining 32 comprised group B (patients without confirmed evidence of ARS). These patients were treated with interventional endoscopy. A chronic obstructive sialadenitis symptom (COSS) questionnaire was used to quantify the treatment outcomes. RESULTS: In group A, Serum IgE was elevated in 84.4% of patients and PBE was elevated in 34.4% of patients. Percentage of submandibular gland involvement was higher in group A than group B (48.4% vs. 18.8%). On sialograms, the snowflake changes of branch ducts were seen in higher percentage of group A compared with group B (59% vs. 35% for parotid glands, 27% vs. 8% for submandibular glands, respectively). Mucus plug smears showed abundant eosinophils in 14 group A patients. Biopsy of five group A patients revealed significant eosinophil infiltration around the main and interlobular ducts. During follow-up, the COSS scores were significantly decreased in both groups, and group B was improved better than group A. CONCLUSION: PBE and serum IgE are important diagnostic indexes of ARS. Mucus plug smear or histopathology verifies the diagnosis. Interventional endoscopy is helpful for ARS cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:2030-2035, 2021.

Detailed gross anatomic and sialographic characteristics of major salivary glands in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

To clarify the detailed general architecture and topography of major salivary glands and demonstrate a fine anatomy of the ductal system of the glands in water buffaloes, we conducted gross anatomic and sialographic investigations of glands in 14 half heads from seven water buffaloes. The position of the mandibular gland, course of mandibular duct relative to monostomatic gland, a rostral extension of polystomatic gland, and site of origin of monostomatic duct in buffaloes essentially differed from those of various ruminants. The shape of the parotid and mandibular glands, and origin of their ducts, lacking filling of retromandibular fossa by parotid gland, the topography of mandibular gland relative to the parotid gland and mandibular lymph node, caudal extension of polystomatic gland, rostral extension of monostomatic gland, and location of polystomatic gland relative to monostomatic gland in buffaloes were very similar to those in ox. However, several considerable differences in morphology of glands in buffaloes and ox were recognized. Major salivary glands in buffaloes almost show 'grazing ruminants' morphological and morphometrical characteristics. Within parotid, mandibular, and monostomatic glands in buffaloes, there was a ductal arborization pattern in lateral sialograms. Whereas the main parotid duct was formed by a union of two central branches of the intraglandular duct, main mandibular, and monostomatic ducts were consisted of one central branch. The pattern of peripheral branches from the central branch of intraglandular duct in buffaloes was significantly different among the glands. Our detailed sialography of ductal morphology and morphometry can be helpful in accurate diagnosis of gland diseases in live water buffaloes.