J Korean Soc Radiol.  2010 Jun;62(6):519-521.

Unilateral Submandibular Gland Aplasia with a Thyroglossal Duct Cyst

• Lee SK
• Nam EC
• Kim SS

Abstract

The congenital absence of the submandibular gland is very uncommon, and might occur in association with other developmental abnormalities. Unilateral aplasia is reported more infrequently because it is usually asymptomatic, whereas the bilateral form often presents as xerostomia, dysphagia, and frequent dental caries because of decreased salivary flow. Submandibular gland aplasia with a concurrent thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) has not been reported. We report a case of unilateral submandibular aplasia that might be associated with a TGDC.

MeSH Terms

Deglutition Disorders
Dental Caries
Submandibular Gland
Thyroglossal Cyst
Xerostomia

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is seen as a well-defined cystic mass (arrow) below the hyoid bone on enhanced CT (axial view). The TGDC is located above the left thyroid gland lobe and superior thyroid cartilage. There is no adhesion between the TGDC and surrounding structure.

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  Fig. 2 The axial T1-weighted MRI image of the mouth floor shows aplasia of the left SMG (thin arrow) and compensatory hyperplasia of the left sublingual gland (thick arrow).

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  Fig. 3 The coronal T2-weighted MRI image of the anterior neck shows aplasia of the left SMG (arrow) while a left TGDC manifests as an anterior cystic neck mass (circle).

Reference

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