The use of echocontrasty as a diagnostic method for pathologies of the ductal system of the salivary glands

Introduction. Visualizing a violation of the patency of the duct system of the salivary glands is a difficult task for a medical practitioner. Obstruction is possible due to various pathological conditions from calculus to stenosis. Ultrasound examination may be the primary stage in the algorithm for diagnosing salivary glands. The objective was to implement the latest diagnostic method for the pathology of the ductal system of the parotid salivary glands using ultrasound examination (ultrasound) with intraductal echocontrast agent based on a clinical case. Methods and materials. The patient L. came with complains of enlargement of the left parotid-chewing area when eating. She underwent a number of examinations, including ultrasound without contrast and without salivation stimulation at the outpatient stage. Cone beam computed tomography combined with sialography (CBCT-sialography), diagnostic sialoscopy, dynamic scintigraphy, as well as ultrasound with contrast of the ductal system. Results. As a result of the conducted studies, the patient was diagnosed with pathology of the Stenon duct of the left parotid salivary gland. The patient is preparing for an elective surgery. Conclusion. The authors describe the clinical case of using ultrasound contrast agent for non-tumor pathology of the salivary gland. This method has increased its informative value. Therefore, further research and experience accumulation are necessary.