Salivary gland injury resulting from exposure to radioactive iodine: case reports.
BACKGROUND
Radioactive iodine 131 ((131)I) is an effective treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinomas. (131)I targets thyroid tissue and is picked up by the salivary glands. Collateral damage results in the development of radiation sialadenitis.


METHODS
The authors describe salivary gland injuries that developed in two patients who received therapeutic doses of (131)I used to treat thyroid carcinoma. Accurate assessment of the glandular damage was achieved via a radioisotope study using technetium Tc 99m pertechnetate.


CONCLUSIONS
In the majority of cases, when a patient receives therapeutic doses of (131)I, the patient develops an asymmetric radiation sialadenitis. Obstructive symptomatology is to be expected. Oral dryness occurs less often and is related directly to high dosages and the passage of time. Clinicians should be aware of the condition to avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic measures.
Salivary Gland Center, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Louis
L
Mandel
Fred
F
Liu
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000293:injuries*; D012793:Sialadenitis / Q000209:etiology*; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes