[Vitamin C as contrast agent in diagnosis of salivary duct obstruction].

In obstructive diseases of the salivary glands ultrasound is routinely used. In obstructive sialadenitis of the parotid and submandibular glands, diagnostic assessment of the origin and location of impediment is sometimes difficult. We studied sonographic visibility of the duct before and after stimulation with oral ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), the diagnosis compared to sialoendoscopy. In 43 patients with obstructive salivary gland diseases ultrasound examination of the parotid and submandibular glands was carried out before and after oral ascorbic acid stimulation. Before stimulation the duct system was depicted in 27 patients (63%). After ascorbic acid stimulation the duct system became visible in now 41 patients (95%). Application of ascorbic acid as part of ultrasound assessment improves diagnostic capabilities in patients with obstructive salivary gland diseases.