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Sialogram
Ptyalography; Sialography
A sialogram is an x-ray of the salivary ducts and glands.
x-ray
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray particles through the body. The im...
The salivary glands are located on each side of the face. They release saliva into the mouth.
How the Test is Performed
The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or a radiology facility. The test is done by an x-ray technician. A radiologist interprets the results. You may be given a medicine to make you calm before the procedure.
You will be asked to lie on your back on the x-ray table. An x-ray is taken before the contrast material is injected to check for blockages that might prevent the contrast material from entering the ducts.
A catheter (a small flexible tube) is inserted through your mouth and into the duct of the salivary gland. A special dye (contrast medium) is then injected into the duct. This allows the duct to show up on the x-ray. X-rays will be taken from several positions. The sialogram may be performed along with a CT scan.
You may be given lemon juice to help you produce saliva. The x-rays are then repeated to examine the drainage of the saliva into the mouth.
How to Prepare for the Test
Tell the health care provider if you are:
- Pregnant
- Allergic to x-ray contrast material or any iodine substance
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Allergic to any drugs
Allergic to any drugs
Drug allergies are a group of symptoms caused by an allergic reaction to a drug (medicine).
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You must sign a consent form. You will need to rinse your mouth with germ-killing (antiseptic) solution before the procedure.
How the Test will Feel
You may feel some discomfort or pressure when the contrast material is injected into the ducts. The contrast material may taste unpleasant.
Why the Test is Performed
A sialogram may be done when your provider thinks you might have a disorder of the salivary ducts or glands.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may suggest:
- Narrowing of the salivary ducts
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Salivary gland infection
or inflammation
Salivary gland infection
Salivary gland infections affect the glands that produce spit (saliva). The infection may be due to bacteria or viruses. There are 3 pairs of major ...
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Salivary duct stones
Salivary duct stones
Salivary duct stones are deposits of minerals in the ducts that drain the salivary glands. Salivary duct stones are a type of salivary gland disorde...
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Salivary duct tumor
Salivary duct tumor
Salivary gland tumors are abnormal cells growing in the gland or in the tubes (ducts) that drain the salivary glands.
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Risks
There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the potential benefits. Pregnant women should not undergo this test. Alternatives include tests like an MRI scan that do not involve x-rays.
References
Miller-Thomas M. Diagnostic imaging and fine-needle aspiration of the salivary glands. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund LJ, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2015:chap 84.
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Sialography - illustration
A sialogram is a test which takes an X-ray picture of the salivary ducts and the related glandular structures. Sialography may be performed when a disorder of the salivary ducts and/or glands is suspected.
Sialography
illustration
Review Date: 2/9/2015
Reviewed By: Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, private practice, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
