Lessons learned from unintended sublingual sialography: imaging anatomy, technical considerations, and diagnostic implications.

Abstract

Digital subtraction sialography of the sublingual glands has not been reported previously, to our knowledge. We present a case series in which unintended digital subtraction sialography of the sublingual glands occurred during attempts at submandibular digital subtraction sialography. In four of the six cases, a mistaken diagnosis of severe sublingual gland sialectasis was made. Because of the unique histologic characteristics of the sublingual glands, knowledge of the technical aspects of sublingual duct cannulation and the relevant imaging anatomy is necessary to avoid image misinterpretation and clinical mismanagement.