Clinical application of magnetic resonance sialographic 3-dimensional reconstruction imaging and magnetic resonance virtual endoscopy for salivary gland duct analysis.

PURPOSE

In a previous study, we showed that the new and fast sequence 3-dimensional (3D)-fast asymmetric spin-echo sequencing could be applied in magnetic resonance (MR) sialographic 3D reconstruction imaging of the parotid gland ducts and in producing virtual endoscopic views of the parotid gland with MR data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, we examined the clinical application of these MR sialographic 3D reconstruction imaging and virtual endoscopy of the salivary gland ducts using MR data sets with 3D-fast asymmetric spin-echo sequencing.

RESULTS

The MR sialographic 3D reconstruction images showed a complete view in the branch paths from all angles, and the MR virtual endoscopic views showed conditions in the endoluminal tracts of the large branches in 20 patients with salivary gland duct abnormalities, including Sjögren syndrome, cyst, tumor, sialadenitis, and salivary calculi.

CONCLUSION

The clinical use of MR sialographic 3D reconstruction imaging and MR virtual endoscopy for salivary gland ducts may enhance understanding of the 3D relationship between the ducts and the surrounding tissue, as well as the endoluminal circumstance within ducts. Possible future applications abound, and further investigation in this field is expected.