Salivary gland duct diseases have been commonly addressed and investigated using
ultrasound and conventional radiographic techniques. However, ultrasound
assessment displays a limited view of the salivary ductal tree. While conventional X-
ray or CT sialography may provide acceptable spatial anatomy, a number of
drawbacks were reported, with complications such as trauma or acinar rupture and
sepsis, and contraindications such as acute parotitis or contrast material allergy, not to
mention the required high operator experience and patient compliance.
MR sialography is a new nonionizing noninvasive technique that is being developed
to evaluate diseases of the salivary ducts. Adequate assessment of the duct system is
obtainable, with no involvement of invasive techniques, or contrast material or
radiation exposure.
MR sialography offers many advantages over alternative imaging techniques such as
conventional x-ray sialography. These include the noninvasive technique; avoiding
contrast media, ionizing radiation, and dependence on an experienced operator.
Details provided by MRI sialography are considered to be of value for the
interventional decision-making process. These details include the distance of the
obstructing cause from the ductal punctum, the size and number of stones, ductal
mapping and diameters, Upstream dilatation, and ductal condition.