Sialoangiography: X‐Ray visualization of major salivary glaoonds

Sialoangiography is demonstrated to be useful in the diagnosis and evaluation of inflammatory processes, and tumors of the major salivary glands and their areas. Parenchymal changes as well as space occupying lesions within the glands, and tumors exerting pressure from outside the gland are shown to manifest their specific changes by their effect upon the ducts, with pathognomonic alterations and distortion of the ducts or normal architecture of the ductal system. Intrinsic duct changes are all due to ductal obstruction and a wide variety of causes is shown. The normal findings, including minor anatomical variations is contrasted with abnormal sialoangiographic findings. These abnormalities are evidenced by changes in the duct morphology and the course of the ducts altered by the presence of intrinsic, extrinsic, or deep lobed tumors. The technique of sialoangiography is discussed. The author's method is outlined, including specific views and special methodology.