Scintigraphic evaluation of the salivary glands in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
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%.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008046:Lip / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012796:Sialography; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors