The key role of magnetic resonance sialography in the differential diagnosis between sialolith and phlebolith of the floor of the mouth.

Background: The confusion between a phlebolith and a sialolith in the floor of the mouth can pose serious surgical risks, making it essential to define appropriate complementary imaging studies.

Case presentation: We present the case of a patient with right submandibular sialolithiasis suspected by computed tomography. A previous attempt at extraction in another centre, under local anesthesia, was interrupted due to profuse bleeding, preventing the localization and removal of the calculi. Due to our pre-surgical study protocol using magnetic resonance sialography (MR-Si), a low-flow vascular malformation with internal phleboliths was revealed, without involvement of the salivary duct. As a result, the planned sialendoscopy was cancelled, and a follow-up approach was chosen given the asymptomatic nature of the condition.

Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of standardizing radiological studies for salivary gland and floor-of-mouth pathology, highlighting MR-Si for its high sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, MR-Si enables more precise surgical planning and helps prevent unnecessary intraoperative complications.