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Submandibular Sialadenitis
This CT case features a 70-year-old woman with a clinical suspicion of neck abscess, ultimately diagnosed with submandibular sialadenitis, a common inflammatory condition of the salivary glands.
Imaging Findings:
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Axial CECT images reveal:
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Dilation and hyperenhancement of Wharton’s duct
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A sialolith (stone) near the duct orifice
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Enlarged, inflamed submandibular gland with surrounding edema
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Clinical Insight:
Submandibular sialadenitis typically presents as pain and swelling, particularly after eating. Most cases are due to ductal obstruction by salivary stones. Chronic sialadenitis may be related to systemic conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, IgG4-related disease, or autoimmune pathologies. Imaging is crucial for identifying stone location and guiding treatment, usually stone removal.
Case courtesy of Kelvin Tieu & Nicole Levy MD,
Temple University Hospital