title: [Cone beam 3D sialography: preliminary study].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Stones, stenosis and inflammatory lesions are the main causes of mealtime syndrome. The aim of paraclinical exam is to find the cause of these obstructive symptoms. Ultrasound is often sufficient to confirm the lithiasic origin of salivary gland swelling. Non-lithiasic salivary obstructions are more difficult to diagnose. We studied the feasibility and quality of a new medical imaging device: three-dimensional (3D) sialography using the technique of cone beam with flat panel (CPCT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Five patients were included, referred for diagnostic management of non-lithiasic salivary gland parotid colic. It was performed for each patient in the angiography room, conventional sialography and 3D CPCT. Images were compared to conventional sialography.
  
  
  RESULTS
  None of catheterization failure or side effects were observed in five patients. 3D CPCT sialography enabled to view gland ducts until their fifth or sixth division. Compared to conventional sialography, 3D CPCT improves signal and contrast to noise ratio.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique allows an anatomic resolution and signal/noise ratio unmatched. It also allows to reduce metallics artefacts. Its main drawback is those associated with ductal catheterization, exposure to ionizing radiation and potential allergy to iodinated contrast agents.
authors: Services de radiologie et de chirurgie maxillofaciale, CHU de la Timone, 264 rue Saint-Pierre, Marseille cedex 5, France. arthur.varoquaux@ap-hm.fr
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Varoquaux
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Larribe
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Chossegros
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Cassagneau
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Salles
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Moulin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D056888:Patient Positioning; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012466:Salivary Gland Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D012796:Sialography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*