Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2011 Feb;54(2):154-157. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2011.54.2.154.

A Case of Unilateral Absence of the Submandibular Gland Secondary to Sialolithiasis

• Ahn D
• Chun BS
• Sohn JH
• Park J

• KMID: 1446466
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2011.54.2.154

Abstract

Absence of major salivary glands, especially those of occurring unilaterally or secondary to Wharton's duct stone, is a rare disorder, A case of unilateral submandibular gland absence occurring secondary to Wharton's duct stone was presented in a 51-year-old male. Using the ultrasonography (USG) and computerized tomography (CT), the absence of the submandibular gland was confirmed. The patient had long-term history of sialolithiasis of the right submandibular gland, so the right submandibular gland was suspected of having acquired a change due to sialolithiasis. The present case would be a second report demonstrating a case of unilateral submandibular gland absence occurring secondary to stones, suggesting that, without ligation of submandibular nerves, the obstruction of excretory duct of a submandibular gland could lead to a complete atrophy of the gland in human.

Keyword

Submandibular gland; Atrophy; Sialolithiasis

MeSH Terms

Atrophy
Humans
Ligation
Male
Middle Aged
Salivary Ducts
Salivary Gland Calculi
Salivary Glands
Submandibular Gland