Sialogram or sialography is imaging of the salivary glands using x-ray.
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, then a Radio-opaque fluid (Contrast medium) is injected in the duct through a small tube.
A series of radiographs 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 oblique views of the face 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 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
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