Emergency physician point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnosis of sialolithiasis

Abstract

Sialolithiasis is a relatively common diagnosis, with an uncertain etiology, that must be considered in patients presenting with a neck mass. Traditionally, invasive sialography was used to detect salivary stones. Currently, computed tomography has been the test of choice. Ultrasound presents an alternative, rapid, and safe imaging modality for the diagnosis of sialolithiasis. We report a case of sialolithiasis diagnosed by emergency physicians using point-of-care ultrasonography. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.