Angiolithiasis and Sialolithiasis in the Head and Neck

Abstract

Of the two principal forms of macrolithiasis and microlithiasis in the head and neck, that occurring in salivary glands (sialoliths) is much more prevalent than intravascular lithiasis (angioliths). Sialoliths are also more often symptomatic, particularly when formed in the preponderant gland of involvement, the submandibular gland. Angiolithiasis is always coincidental with vascular stasis: in hemangiomas or varices. Both forms of lithiasis share several radiographic features and have a similar basis of formation. For sialoliths, secretory stasis forms a nidus for mineralization. Thrombus formation in vessels is the formative “nucleus” for an angiolith.