Sialography
Pronunciation: sy-ah-LOG-rah-fee
A radiographic investigation in which contrast medium is injected into a salivary gland duct to delineate ductal anatomy and identify obstructions, strictures, or inflammatory changes.
Full Definition
Sialography involves cannulation of the ductal orifice of the parotid or submandibular gland followed by fluoroscopic or plain-film imaging after contrast injection. It is particularly useful for identifying salivary duct strictures, sialolithiasis, and sialectasis patterns in conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome. With the increasing adoption of sialendoscopy and ultrasound, its use has declined, though it remains a reference investigation in some classification schemes. Editors should ensure sialography reports specify the gland imaged, the contrast agent used, and the imaging modality (plain film vs. fluoroscopy vs. digital subtraction).
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from sialometry (saliva flow measurement) and sialendoscopy (direct ductal visualisation). 'Parotidography' is an acceptable synonym when restricted to the parotid gland.
In Context
- "Sialography of the left parotid gland demonstrated a 'snowstorm' pattern consistent with Sjögren's syndrome-related sialectasis." — Radiology report
- "The methods section should clarify whether sialography or sialendoscopy was used, as both terms appear in the paper without distinction." — Editorial note