Sialogram

Sialogram or sialography is imaging of the salivary glands using x-ray^[1]

Additional recommended knowledge

What is the Correct Way to Check Repeatability in Balances?

Daily Visual Balance Check

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Technique

A baseline radiograph of the required salivary gland would be taken , a cannula then is inserted in this salivary gland duct's opening in the mouth, a Radio-opaque fluid (Contrast medium) then is injected in the duct.

A series of radigraphs would then be taken to determine the flow of the fluid , identify any obstructions and its location , the rate of fluid excretion from the gland.

Usually the radiographs taken are lateral oplique views of the face ^[2]as Orthopantomogram's are not useful for the purpose of locating the area due to superimpositions and the way they are taken to put the teeth in the main field.

Indications

• Salivary gland's stones
• Salivary duct calculus
• Sjogren syndrome
• salivary gland tumours
• Salivary gland narrowing or obstruction

Contraindications

• Allergy to the contrast medium , mainly to Iodine.
• Acute salivary gland infections

References