The term sialoangiectasis refers to a rather unusual condition of the salivary glands, characterized by gross cystic dilatation of the ducts and alveoli, a term used without reference to etiology. From a review of the literature, we were able to assemble only 15 cases. Of these, five were bilateral. The dilatation occurs without demonstrable obstruction of Stensen's duct. It, therefore, represents an entity not to be confused with the dilatation of the ducts which may occur with obstruction from calculi, stricture, or tumor, Sialoangiectasis is commoner in females and usually appears in middle life. It is occasionally preceded in onset by an upper respiratory infection and is characterized by pain and enlargement of one or both parotid glands. Occasionally, the submaxillary gland is involved. In most instances the painful swelling, often aggravated by eating, has recurred periodically over a period of months or years.

The etiology has been attributed to