Hyposalivation: the roles of radioactive iodine and stapes surgery.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to call attention to the role that radioactive iodine ((131)I) and stapes surgery may play in causing hyposalivation.


METHODS
The manner in which (131)I and stapes surgery can cause salivary damage was reviewed. A case report is presented to illustrate the involved pathophysiology.


RESULTS
The case report clearly shows the significant injury to the parotid glands caused by the (131)I. However, subjective symptoms of oral dryness only developed after injury to the chorda tympani nerve (CTN) during stapes surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The loss of function of both parotid glands after (131)I therapy for thyroid cancer was initially compensated by the secretions of the more radiation-resistant submandibular and sublingual salivary glands (SMSG/SLSG). Damage to the CTN's secretory fibers in one SMSG/SLSG complex led to subjective oral dryness by accentuating an existing objective hyposalivation.
Salivary Gland Center, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, New York, NY 10032, USA. LM7@columbia.edu
Louis
L
Mandel
D002277:Carcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary; D002814:Chorda Tympani Nerve / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000601:surgery; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000528:radiation effects; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D013670:Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m; D013201:Stapes Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000077273:Thyroid Cancer, Papillary; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology*
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013670:Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m