[Management of salivary gland diseases with contrast-enhanced ultrasound].

Obstructive diseases of the salivary glands are a common problem in otorhinolaryngology. They are mostly due to sialolithiasis followed by duct stenosis and other rarer causes. Several diagnostic modalities exist which allow classification of the disease; however, in 5-10% of all cases ultrasound and conventional radiological imaging do not provide a clear diagnosis. Ultrasound examination with contrast material injected into the duct (IA-CEUS, intraductal administered contrast-enhanced ultrasound) enables improved evaluation of obstructive diseases of the salivary glands and at the same time an evaluation of the parenchyma of the glands is possible. As a complementary method to conventional investigation techniques IA-CEUS is an economic and rapid method with low side-effects which improves the diagnostic assessment of ultrasound and results in a better treatment for patients.