title: Imaging of the major salivary glands.
abstract: The major salivary glands, submandibular, parotid and sublingual glands play an important role in preserving the oral cavity and dental health. Patients with problems of the major salivary glands may present with symptoms such as dry mouth, dysphagia and obstruction of duct, inflammation, severe dental caries or swelling. Imaging plays an important role in visualization of morphology and function, to establish a diagnosis, for treatment, and for surgical planning. There are several options for diagnostic imaging: plain radiography, sialography, ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), salivary gland scintigraphy and (18)F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET). We present an overview of the modalities in relation to common salivary gland disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Imaging, North Zealand Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Pia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Afzelius
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Imaging, North Zealand Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Ming-Yuan
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ewertsen
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Imaging, North Zealand Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Klaus Poulsen
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Bloch
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012466:Salivary Gland Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D012796:Sialography / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: 18F-FDG positron emission tomography; computed tomography; magnetic resonance imaging; parotid gland; salivary gland scintigraphy; sialography; submandibular gland; ultrasound