Pediatric Sialolithiasis

Department of Pediatric Dentistry

Lutheran Medical Center

Date: 07/24/2009

Article title: Pediatric Sialolithiasis

Author(s): Nahieli Oded, Eliav Eli, Hasson Oscar, Zagury Ami

Journal: Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology

Volume (number): Vol 90 Number 6

Month, Year: 2000

Major topic: Sialolithiasis

Minor topics:

Type of Article: Case Review

Main Purpose: Review of recent pediatric sialolithiasis cases and compare findings to previous literature.

Overview of method of research: Case Report

Findings:

Pediatric Sialolithiasis is relatively common in adults, but is rare in children. Still it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of facial swelling and intermittent pain in young patients.

Review was of 15 cases followed for 3 years in an OMS clinic in Israel. The endoscope was the primary instrument used to treat and evaluate the sialoliths.

Key points/Summary :

• The main complaint is usually unilateral swelling. Most are diagnosed by imaging.
• 33% of cases had a distinguishable cause: phytobezoar, hair follicle, intraductal evagination.
• Endoscopy is very important in the evaluation and elimination of sialolithiasis.
• Predominant in males.
• Usually affects the submandibular gland.

Assessment of article: I liked this article. It has some good images (although hard to see in a photocopy) of clinical findings as well as imaging and the stones themselves. Important to be able to recognize this stuff, because patients may come to us, when others have failed them.