Sialogram Technique

Write a short note on sialography.
Answer.

Sialography

It is a radiographic procedure that is a useful diagnostic adjunct for the detection and monitoring of salivary gland disease.

Sialography procedure

The glands are cannulated and filled with a radiopaque contrast to make them visible on the radiograph.

Sialography Indications

Detection of calculi or foreign bodies.
Determination of the extent of destruction of the gland secondary to obstructing calculi or foreign bodies.
Determination and diagnosis of recurrent swelling and inflammatory processes.
Demonstration of the tumor and determination of its location, size, and origin.

“Understanding the role of sialography in diagnosing salivary gland disorders: Q&A explained”

Selection of a site for biopsy.
Detection of residual stones, residual tumors, fitula or stenosis, or retention cysts following a surgical procedure.

Sialography Contraindications

Patient who is sensitive to iodine or has experienced severe asthmatic attacks or anaphylaxis following the use of iodine.
During a period of acute inflammation.
In case of congenital aplasia and atresia.

“Importance of studying the sialogram technique for better diagnostic outcomes: Questions explained”

Iodinated contrast media may interfere with subsequent thyroid function tests; such function tests if required, should be done before the sialography procedure.

Sialography Procedure

A radiographic medium is forced through the orifice of the duct into the gland.
Keeping the radiopaque media in place, a radiograph is taken.
For submandibular sialograph and sublingual sialograph, a modified lateral oblique radiograph is the best projection and for parotid, a modified posteroanterior view of the injected side is best.

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Modified PA view for parotid is taken by having the patient puff his cheeks out, forcing the parotid gland away from the lateral border of the mandible, and then taking a PA exposure.

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