Radiological sign: The “phantom” salivary gland

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Luis Canales F.
Jorge González M.
Constanza Vera A.

Keywords

sialadenitis, sialolithiasis, Sjögren

Abstract

Chronic sialadenitis is usually diagnosed incidentally using imaging studies. In advanced stages, histological changes may result in homogenization of its radiographic density (echo­genicity or signal intensity) with that of adjacent adipose tissue. This phenomenon, which we refer to as the phantom salivary gland sign, makes identification of the affected gland difficult. Detection of the remaining ductal tree, intraglandular vessels, or a residual glan­dular capsule serves as a key semiological clue for recognition. This alteration is primarily visible on computed tomography, although it can also be seen on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

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