CASE REPORTS   

Chirurgia 2009 April;22(2):103-7

Copyright © 2009 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Chronic salivary lithiasis: ultrasound supporting diagnosis in urgency

Russo A.

Pronto Soccorso Chirurgico Presidio Ospedaliero L. Parodi Delfino ASL Roma G, Colleferro, Roma, Italia

Salivary lithiasis is due to carbonate or phosphate precipitation, caused by bacterial alcalinization of oral environment. Affecting submandibular, sublingual and parotid gland, in decreasing order of frequency, the onset comprehends colic pain, elicited by food assumption, tumor of gland even to suppurative colliquation, subsequent chronic desease. X-ray, contrast enhancement, ultrasonography and computed tomography represent diagnostic instrumental investigations; the risk of malignancies must be excluded, first of all concerning long lasting processes, and surgical exeresis is recommended in doubtful cases.