Sialogram

Sialogram or sialography is imaging of the salivary glands using x-ray [ [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003812.htm NLM] ]

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 [ [http://www.medcyclopaedia.com/library/topics/volume_i/s/sialography.aspx medcyclopedia] ] 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
*Sjögren's syndrome
*Salivary gland tumours
*Salivary gland narrowing or obstruction

Contraindications

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

References