Background and aims: Non-tumor salivary gland disorders include either sialadenitis (obstructive related or Sjogren’s related) or sialadenosis. Symptoms may include dry mouth, recurrent swellings and pain. Cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT)-sialography (sialo-CBCT), had recently replaced traditional x-ray sialography. Various definitions of salivary gland pathologies are used in the literature. The aim of this study was to propose a standardized terminology of frequently encountered disorders, by reviewing their common imaging features in sialo-CBCT in order to improve patient diagnosis and treatment.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all sialo-CBCT scans performed in the maxillofacial imaging center between the years 2013-2018. Then, we divided the sialo-CBCT scans according to their diagnosis into various salivary pathologies. Lastly, for each pathological group we chose a representative for illustrating the radiographic features. .
Results: In this study we reviewed ~500 sialo-CBCT. We then divided the scans into (1) sjogren`s syndrome, (2) recurrent juvenile parotitis, (3) chronic obstructive sialadenitis, (4) sialolithiasis, (5) sialadenosis and (6) radioactive iodine treatment. Common radiographic features were described for each group. These included main duct morphology (dilatations, stenosis, strictures), arborization level, and presence of sialectasis. Representative examples for each group were presented and discussed.
Conclusions: This novel study demonstrates the unique radiographic feature of common salivary gland pathologies demonstrated in Sialo-CBCT. We hope that this work would help create standardization of terminology in both clinical practice and research of salivary glands pathologies, which would promote patient outcome.
