Introduction: Sialolithiasis is one of the most common diseases of the salivary glands. Within the scope of a retrospective analysis we report on our clinical and diagnostic findings in the largest patient group suffering from sialolithiasis reported in literature.
Material and methods: Between 1987 and 1997, data from 635 patient histories and follow-up examinations were systematically collected and analysed to look for typical symptoms of sialolithiasis, locations of stones and possible risk factors.
Results: Sialoliths predominated among patients aged 30 and 70 years, with no male/female predilection. A total of 78.9% of all calculi were detected in the submandibular ducts and 21.1% in the ducts of the parotid glands. The sublingual gland and the smaller salivary glands were not affected. A simultaneous stone disease of the urinary tract or the bile duct system occurred by chance (4.3%). Even regular medication in cases of other systemic diseases cannot be considered cofactors in pathogenesis.
Conclusion: Diagnosis of sialolithiasis is the result of careful consideration of patient histories demonstrating typical symptoms and clinical examination. Sonography is the first choice of imaging. Pathogenesis of sialolithiasis seems to be based on local factors within the salivary ducts and glands.