Scintigraphic evaluation of the salivary glands in patients with Sjögren's syndrome

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1988 Apr;17(2):71-5. doi: 10.1016/s0901-5027(88)80151-6.

Abstract

The clinical value of salivary gland scintigraphy (RI-sialography) was studied in 11 cases with definite Sjögren's syndrome. Time-activity curves which were obtained from computer-assisted analysis of RI-sialography were classified into 4 types (N:normal type, M:median type, F:flat type, S:sloped type), and the efficacy of scintigraphy in evaluating salivary gland function and the relationship between time-activity curves and other diagnostic methods are discussed. Flattened time-activity curves such as F- or S-type were more often seen in submandibular glands than in parotid glands. Flattened curves were not seen in the early stage of the inflammatory process; conversely, when we found a flattened curve, it suggested a wide destruction of the salivary gland tissues. Correlation between time-activity curve and sialography showed 90.9%, and correlation between time-activity curve and histopathological change in the minor salivary gland of the lower lip also showed 90.9%.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Lip / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Salivary Glands / diagnostic imaging*
  • Salivary Glands / metabolism
  • Salivary Glands / pathology
  • Sialography
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / pathology
  • Time Factors