Application of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of salivary gland diseases: a systematic review

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this systematic literature review was to focus on the use of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in the evaluation of salivary gland diseases.

Study design: Databases were searched, and original research manuscripts up to 2018 were identified by using the keywords "diffusion" combined with "salivary gland," "salivary gland neoplasm," "sialadenitis," "parotid gland," "submandibular gland," "sublingual gland," "minor salivary gland," "salivary gland fistula," "salivary gland calculi," "salivary ducts," "xerostomia," and "sialorrhea." Only English language manuscripts and studies pertaining to DWI were selected.

Results: In all, 66 investigations regarding various salivary gland diseases, such as neoplasms, postirradiation changes, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, were included. Most study objectives involved the use of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in differentiating between benign lesions and malignant neoplasms. Histologic features of evaluated samples were heterogeneous.

Conclusions: DWI may improve the differential diagnosis of salivary gland diseases, particularly in distinguishing between benign and malignant neoplasms. A unique ADC cutoff value could not be established because of the heterogeneity of the methods applied for ADC assessment and the heterogeneity of the diseases. DWI and the ADC are valuable tools in the diagnosis of salivary gland disease.