Sialolithiasis: mineralogical composition, crystalline structure, calculus site, and epidemiological features.

The purpose of this paper was to describe the characteristics of salivary calculi and their relationship to epidemiological factors, through a cross-sectional study. We analysed 100 calculi obtained in 2017-2021. Patient data including age, time since onset of symptoms, gland involved, and site of location in the salivary system were studied. The calculi were studied to determine their morphological features using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive plain radiographic analysis. Most of the calculi had formed in the submandibular gland (SG) (82%). The mean age of patients at onset was 45.83 years; patients presenting parotid gland (PG) stones were somewhat older (p = 0.031). The mean time since the onset of symptoms was longer in PG calculi (p = 0.038). The most common lithiasis site was the main duct (74%), followed by the hilum (22%). Hilar stones were the largest (p < 0.05) and heaviest (p = 0.028). Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) was the most common crystalline phase (Cp) founded, followed by hydroxyapatite (HA) and whitlockite (WH). Specifically, OCP had a higher presence in PG calculi (p = 0.029) and WH was the most common phase in SG calculi (p = 0.017). The most prevalent site of lithiasis was the main duct, and the largest and heaviest calculi were found in the SG. PG stones were associated with a longer history of symptoms and older age. OCP was the most frequent Cp of the calculi studied, and the main Cp in PG stones. WH was the predominant Cp in SG stones. The Cp of the calculi was not influenced by location, patient age, or time of symptoms.

Giant submandibular sialolith: a case report.

Introduction: Salivary glands lithiasis (Sialolithiasis) is defined as calcified concretions in the salivary glands. Most common localization is in submandibular gland. Usually, submandibular stones are mainly located in Wharton's duct, whereas parotid stones are more often located in the gland parenchyma. Sialoliths are usually 5-10 mm in size, and stones more than 10 mm are unusual sizes. Exact etiology of sialolith formation is still unknown. Case Report: We discuss a case of a 70-year-old patient, presenting painful swelling and a giant submandibular gland sialolith successfully treated with open surgery. Conclusions: A careful anamnesis and physical examination of the patient are important in the diagnosis of sialolithiasis. In addition, several imaging techniques, such as panoramic X-rays and Ultrasound, can be applied. The management can be both medical and surgical.

Concurrent giant sialoliths within the submandibular gland parenchyma and distal segment of Wharton's duct: Novel case report.

OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the clinical significance of an unusual case of the simultaneous occurrence of 2 giant sialoliths within the ipsilateral submandibular gland and distal aspect of Wharton's duct in a 63-year-old patient. BACKGROUND: The majority of submandibular gland sialoliths are found in Wharton's duct, with fewer within the gland parenchyma. Giant sialoliths (exceeding 15 mm in size) are rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An asymptomatic, otherwise healthy older patient sought dental care and underwent a comprehensive oral and radiographic examination. RESULTS: A panoramic radiograph revealed 2 incidental radiopaque structures, representing giant sialoliths within the submandibular gland and along the distal segment of Wharton's duct. This synchronous finding apparently represents the first case reported in the geriatric literature. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of 1 salivary stone should heighten the scrutiny for additional stones. Practitioners should carefully weigh the risk of sialolith removal versus deferment of treatment in older medically compromised patients.

Ultrasound-guided sialo-irrigation for the treatment of chronic sialodochitis with sialolithiasis.

Sialolithiasis is one of the most common causes of salivary duct obstruction. In the last 20 years, minimally invasive procedures like sialendoscopy, extracorporeal lithotripsy, and basket snaring are increasingly being used for the treatment of salivary gland duct stones. Sialo-irrigation of the salivary gland is an effective procedure for treating inflammation and providing symptomatic relief. This procedure can be employed for the treatment of sialolithiasis using the back pressure of instilled saline. Sialo-irrigation under ultrasound (US) guidance allows for dynamic studies showing real-time images during diagnostic or surgical procedure and can be used for the removal of sialoliths. In addition, it can also be used to remove primitive sialoliths and microliths by washing out the ductal system, which prevents the recurrence of sialoliths. The aim of this study was to propose a minimally invasive technique for sialolithiasis using US-guided sialo-irrigation.

In Vivo Accuracy of Ultrasound for Sizing Salivary Ductal Calculi.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was developed to evaluate the accuracy of in vivo ultrasound sizing for parotid and submandibular salivary gland calculi, as compared with ex vivo pathology sizing with a standard plastic ruler after extraction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Ultrasound is frequently used to size salivary calculi and make treatment decisions, but the accuracy of measurements from this modality has not been validated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We evaluated and reviewed the charts and ultrasound examinations of 167 patients who underwent procedures for the treatment of sialolithiasis involving the parotid and submandibular glands. US examinations were performed between 2009 and 2016 in a tertiary-level hospital setting by the senior author. Measurements were collected from ultrasound evaluation before sialolithotomy, and pathology measurements were taken after removal. Ultrasound measurements in millimeters were compared with the measurements collected with a ruler. The differences were calculated and compared. RESULTS: A total of 167 calculi measurements were compared. Good concurrent validity between pathology and ultrasound measurements was suggested by a Pearson correlation of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.887-0.937). On Bland-Altman plot, correlation of the difference between US and pathology measurements showed a mean difference of 0.095 mm (95% CI, -0.19 to 0.38 mm) with a limit of agreement ranging from -3.59 mm (95% CI, -3.84 to -3.34 mm) to +3.78 mm (95% CI, +3.53 to +4.03 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is an accurate, relatively precise, and minimally invasive imaging tool for salivary gland sialolithiasis. Preoperative size of calculi can be used to guide management and clinical decision making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2C.

Classification of submandibular salivary stones based on ultrastructural studies.

INTRODUCTION: Sialolithiasis remains a clinical problem with unclear etiopathogenesis, lack of prevention methods, and only surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ultrastructure examination of submandibular sialoliths obtained from patients with chronic sialolithiasis was conducted using a scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. RESULTS: Based on the results, we divided sialoliths into three types: calcified (CAL), organic/lipid (LIP), and mixed (MIX). The core structure of the CAL and MIX is very similar. The core of the LIP has a prevalence of organic components. The intermediate layers' structure of the CAL is different from LIP and MIX. In LIP and MIX, the organic component begins to increase in intermediate layers rapidly. The structure of the superficial layers for all types of sialoliths is similar. CONCLUSIONS: We introduced a new classification of the submandibular salivary gland stones. Based on the results, it can be said that sialoliths type CAL and LIP have their separate path of origin and development, while MIX is formed as CAL stone, and the further pathway of their growth passes as LIP stones. Organic components were much more than inorganic in all layers of salivary gland stones, which highly prevents their dissolution in the patient's salivary gland duct.

Treatment outcomes of sialendoscopy for submandibular gland sialolithiasis: The minor axis of the sialolith is a regulative factor for the removal of sialoliths in the hilum of the submandibular gland using sialendoscopy alone.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the general guidelines for the removal of sialoliths for submandibular gland sialolithiasis using sialendoscopy alone. METHODS: We analyzed 61 sialoliths treated using sialendoscopy in 42 patients with submandibular gland sialolithiasis. We evaluated the submandibular gland sialoliths and divided each case based upon the location: the Wharton's duct or the hilum. We measured the major and minor axes of the sialoliths using a soft tissue computed-tomography (CT) scan and evaluated the removal rate of the sialoliths using sialendoscopy alone. RESULTS: The removal rate of the sialoliths in the Wharton's duct (52.6%) was significantly higher than that in the hilum of the submandibular gland (26.1%) (P=0.042). The minor axis was significantly correlated to the treatment outcome of sialendoscopy alone for all cases (P=0.030). A significant correlation was observed for cases involving the hilum of the submandibular gland and the measurement of the minor axes of the sialoliths for the treatment outcome of sialendoscopy alone (P=0.009). The major axis showed no correlation with the treatment outcomes of sialendoscopy alone. CONCLUSION: The measurement of the minor axes of the sialoliths with a soft tissue CT scan was correlated with treatment outcome of sialendoscopy alone for all cases, particularly sialoliths in the hilum. The easurement of the major axis showed no correlation with outcomes of sialendoscopy alone.

The landmark for removal of sialoliths using sialendoscopy alone in parotid gland sialolithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the general guidelines for removal of sialoliths in parotid gland sialolithiasis using sialendoscopy alone. METHODS: We analyzed 34 sialoliths treated using sialendoscopy in 26 patients with parotid gland sialolithiasis. We divided the Stensen's duct and parotid gland into for parts using computed tomography findings: (A) front of the masseter, (B) anterior and lateral to the center (anterolateral) of the masseter, (C) posterior and lateral to the center (posterolateral) of the masseter, (D) behind of the masseter. The location and size of each sialolith was assessed. RESULTS: The removal rates of sialoliths in the different locations by sialendoscopy alone were as follows: front of the masseter, 68.8%; anterolateral of the masseter, 60.0%; posterolateral of the masseter, 0%; and behind of the masseter, 33.3%. The removal rate using sialendoscopy alone was significantly higher in the sections anterior to the center of the masseter than in those posterior to the center of the masseter (66.7% [14/21] vs. 20.0% [2/10]; P=0.019). The size of the sialolith was not correlated to the removal rate by sialendoscopy alone. CONCLUSION: Sialoliths of the parotid gland located in positions anterior to the center of the masseter are significantly easier to remove by sialendoscopy alone. The center of the masseter is a general landmark for removal of sialoliths from the parotid gland using sialendoscopy alone. The size of the sialolith is not correlated with removal, except rare huge sialoliths.

Sialendoscopic removal of fish bone-induced sialoliths in the duct of the submandibular gland.

Obstructive sialadenitis of the submandibular gland is commonly caused by sialoliths, but more rarely by foreign body-induced sialoliths. Here, we report minimally invasive sialendoscopic removal of fish bone-induced sialoliths in the duct of the submandibular gland. A 43-year-old woman presented with recurrent swelling of the right submandibular gland at other hospital. Computed tomography (CT) showed an 8-mm linear calcification in the posterior part of Wharton's duct. The lesion was deemed difficult to remove and she was followed up. However, because the lesion did not resolve spontaneously within 9 months and chronic sialadenitis symptoms persisted, she was referred to our department for endoscopic removal. CT showed a linear calcification (5.6×1.2×0.8mm) connecting 2 spherical calcifications (2.3×2.1×1.9mm; 1.8×1.4×1.1mm) in the anterior part of Wharton's duct. The patient underwent endoscopic removal of the lesion using a 1.6-mm-diameter sialendoscope under local anesthesia. The specimen contained a fish bone connecting 2 sialoliths. The patient was unaware of the fish-bone injury. After removal, there was no recurrence of submandibular gland swelling during 6 months follow-up.

Evaluation of the prevalence of residual sialolith fragments after transoral approach of Wharton's duct.

Transoral submandibular duct sialolith removal is a simple technique with very few complications. Nevertheless, following this procedure, we have observed long-term calculus recurrence in a number of patients. We therefore elected to evaluate these cases. This was a monocentric prospective study performed between November 2013 and June 2014. All patients received surgery for submandibular gland lithiasis by intraoral removal of submandibular duct calculi. Between the day following the procedure and 3 months postsurgery, these patients systematically underwent an ultrasound examination of the submandibular gland. The study comprised 15 males and 15 females aged between 19 and 87 years, of which one male presented with bilateral calculi (n = 31). Asymptomatic sialolith fragments were found in 16% of patients. A statistically significant risk (p < 0.05) of residual sialolith was demonstrated in cases in which the calculus or multiple calculi fragmented perioperatively. Our aim was to remove the sialolith as non-traumatically as possible and to perform sialendoscopy at the end of the procedure to check the patency of the anterior ductal segment and to ensure that no residual calculus fragments were present despite the loss of fluid tightness subsequent to the opening of the hilum.

Device failure in sialoendoscopy: Intraoperative practical decision-making.

Sialoendoscopy has recently emerged as an alternative to gland excision in management of recurrent sialoadenitis and sialolithiasis. This technique has both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. We report a case of unusual device failure during removal of a submandibular stone from Wharton's duct, which ultimately led to ductal avulsion. Sialoendoscopy is safe and effective in management of non-neoplastic major salivary gland disorders. Ductal avulsion can happen during mechanical procedures like stone removal or dilation of strictures. Failing to release the stone from the basket is very rare but can be problematic and lead to major complications.

Sialolithiasis in horses: A retrospective study of 25 cases (2002-2013).

This study evaluated outcomes of surgical treatment of equine sialolithiasis, highlighting cases involving the proximal parotid salivary duct. Sialoliths in the proximal parotid duct were difficult to identify radiographically and more frequently associated with draining tracts and sialadenitis compared with sialoliths in the distal parotid duct. Ultrasonography confirmed the diagnosis of sialolithiasis in all cases in which there was no radiographic evidence of a sialolith. All cases of proximal parotid duct sialolithiasis required transcutaneous removal. A longer duration of illness was observed in cases of proximal parotid duct sialolithiasis compared with cases involving the distal parotid duct, and in cases requiring transcutaneous removal compared with cases requiring transoral removal. Recurrence of sialolithiasis was documented in 24% of cases, all of which were located in the distal parotid duct. The average time to recurrence was 2.8 years.

Sialolithiase chez les chevaux : une étude rétrospective de 25 cas (2002­2013). Cette étude a évalué les résultats du traitement chirurgical de la sialolithiase équine et a mis en lumière des cas touchant le canal salivaire parotidien proximal. Les sialolithes du canal de Sténon étaient difficiles à identifier par radiographie et sont plus fréquemment associés à des faisceaux de drainage et à la sialadénite par opposition à des sialolithes dans le canal de Sténon distal. L'échographie a confirmé le diagnostic de sialolithiase dans tous les cas où il y avait des preuves radiographiques d'un sialolithe. Tous les cas de sialolithiase du canal salivaire parotidien proximal ont exigé une ablation transcutanée. Une plus longue durée de la maladie a été observée dans les cas de sialothiase du canal salivaire parotidien proximal par opposition aux cas touchant le canal de Sténon distal et, dans les cas exigeant l'ablation transcutanée par opposition aux cas exigeant l'enlèvement transoral. La récurrence de la sialolithiase a été documentée dans 24 % des cas et ils étaient tous situés dans le canal salivaire distal. Le délai moyen avant la récurrence était de 2,8 ans.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Endoscopic-assisted gland preserving therapy for the management of parotid gland sialolithiasis: Our preliminary experience.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy and safety of sialendoscopy and a combined transoral or transcutaneous and sialendoscopic approach in the removal of parotid gland sialoliths. METHODS: This retrospective study included 29 patients diagnosed with parotid gland sialolithiasis who required endoscopic-assisted gland preserving therapy. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were used to diagnose parotid sialolithiasis. The use of interventional sialendoscopy, sialendoscopic-transoral, or sialendoscopic-transcutaneous procedures was determined by the characteristics of the parotid gland stones. RESULTS: The stones were extracted by interventional sialendoscopy in nine patients. The transoral procedure was performed in 15 patients with large stones which were impacted in the ductal wall. The remaining five patients were managed through an external approach via a local incision under sialendoscopy. No postoperative complications occurred. The parotid glands were functioning normally after the procedures. CONCLUSION: The combined sialendoscopic-transoral and sialendoscopic-transcutaneous operation appears to be a good alternative for parotid gland sialolithiasis in the absence of lithotripsy devices. This type of therapy can, therefore, decrease the rate of parotidectomy.

Potential airway compromise secondary to impacted Wharton's duct calculus: a noteworthy phenomenon.

OBJECTIVES: This case report describes a patient who suffered an acute, severe complication of unilateral submandibular sialolithiasis, the disease process and management of these patients. CASE REPORT: A 70-year-old woman was under investigation for a recurrent, painful right submandibular swelling and subsequently presented with an acute exacerbation. She exhibited symptoms of acute submandibular sialadenitis, and also reported breathing difficulty and a change in voice quality. Computed tomography imaging showed that this was caused by a submandibular gland duct sialolith, with inflammation extending to the ipsilateral supraglottis. She was treated medically and the stone was removed when the inflammation had stabilised. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the need to thoroughly assess patients with neck swellings, especially when symptoms are atypical, to avoid life-threatening complications.

Bedside emergency ultrasound in a case of acute parotid duct sialolithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Sialolithiasis with salivary gland obstruction can mimic more frequently occurring illnesses such as facial and dental infection and abscess. It is often difficult to discern the etiology of facial pain and swelling on physical examination alone, requiring advanced imaging in the emergency department. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 37-year-old man who presented with 5 days of worsening unilateral facial pain and swelling. Use of bedside emergency ultrasound by an emergency physician (EP) led to an appropriate diagnosis of parotid duct sialolithiasis. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Use of bedside emergency ultrasound performed by a trained EP successfully diagnosed symptomatic sialolithiasis of the parotid duct in the emergency department without the need for computed tomography. The utility of bedside emergency ultrasound in the evaluation of sialolithiasis and the outcomes of our case are discussed here.

Computational fluid dynamics analysis of salivary flow and its effect on sialolithogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: Sialolithiasis is a common disease caused by intraductal stones, formed by reduction in salivary flow, salivary stagnation, and metabolic events. We used computational fluid dynamics to investigate changes in salivary flow field around parotid stones of different shapes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional configurations of the Stensen's duct were reconstructed from computed tomography sialographic images. Fluid dynamics modeling was used to analyze the salivary flow field around stones under unstimulated and stimulated conditions. RESULTS: The majority of sialoliths were oval-shaped (59/98), followed by irregular (24/98) and round (15/98). Salivary velocity was significantly higher around streamlined stones, compared with round (P = 0.013) and oval (P = 0.025) types. Changes in salivary flow field around sialoliths were found to affect the pattern of mineral deposition in saliva. The area of low velocity around the round stone was double the size observed around the streamlined stone during the unstimulated state, whereas in the stimulated state, local vortexes were formed on the downstream side of round and oval stones. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary flow field around sialoliths plays an important role in the progression of multicentric stones, and analysis of the salivary dynamics during sialolithiasis may provide deeper understandings of the condition and aid in developing successful treatment strategies.

Sialendoscopic findings in patients with obstructive sialadenitis: long-term experience.

During a 9-year period from October 2002 to October 2011, 561 patients with swelling in the submandibular gland (n=474) and parotid gland (n=87) were successfully studied using sialendoscopy, and the features and pathological changes of the duct evaluated and recorded. Abnormalities were noted in 552/561 cases (98%), and normal features in 9 (2%). The pathological changes in 467 submandibular glands were identified both endoscopically and radiographically, and endoscopic findings showed 3 types: sialolith (n=423, 91%), mucus plug (n=15, 3%), and stenosis (n=29, 6%). In 12 cases foreign bodies (fish bones) were found fixed in calculi. In 85 parotid glands the main pathological finding in the duct was stenosis (n=64, 75%, mucus plug (n=12, 14%), and sialolith (n=9, 11%). Several microstructures had been found on sialendoscopy, including sublingual opening, a basin-like structure in the hilar region, a sphincter phenomenon, and hyperplasia. Sialendoscopy can give direct information about the salivary duct, and in some cases indicate the possible mechanism of obstruction.