Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate an MR technique optimized for imaging of the parotid gland ductal system.
Method: The pulse sequence was optimized in 10 volunteers to depict static or nearly static fluid in the parotid ductal system. A heavily T2-weighted fast SE sequence (TR 3,600 ms/TE 800 ms) with a slice thickness of 30-40 mm using an 8 cm surface coil allowed depiction of the fluid-filled parotid duct. Thirteen patients with benign as well as malignant parotid gland pathologies were examined: sialadenitis (n = 2), sialadenosis (n = 3), Heerfordt syndrome (n = 1), pleomorphic adenoma (n = 2), parotid carcinoma (n = 1), lymphoepithelial carcinoma (n = 1), cystadenolymphoma (n = 2), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 1).
Results: The heavily T2-weighted projection image yielded good quality sialographic images. The main duct and primary branching ducts were clearly depicted in all normal cases. The main duct was visualized in all patients. Intra- and extraglandular duct widening and ductal strictures were well depicted. Sialolithiasis with a calculus in the main duct was correctly demonstrated in one case.
Conclusion: MR sialography is noninvasive and does not depend on duct cannulation or contrast agent injection. Initial experience with a thick slice projection technique indicates that MR sialography can be successfully applied to image the parotid gland ductal system.