Salivary gland 99mTc-scintigraphy: a grading scale and correlation with major salivary gland flow rates

• Published in: Journal of oral pathology & medicine Vol. 21; no. 2; p. 70
• Main Authors: Kohn, W G, Ship, J A, Atkinson, J C, Patton, L L, Fox, P C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Denmark 01-02-1992
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Parotid Gland - diagnostic imaging; Parotid Gland - metabolism; Radionuclide Imaging; Saliva - metabolism; Salivary Glands - diagnostic imaging; Salivary Glands - metabolism; Secretory Rate; Sjogren's Syndrome - diagnostic imaging; Sjogren's Syndrome - physiopathology; Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m; Sublingual Gland - diagnostic imaging; Sublingual Gland - metabolism; Submandibular Gland - diagnostic imaging; Submandibular Gland - metabolism; Thyroid Gland - diagnostic imaging; Xerostomia - diagnostic imaging; Xerostomia - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0904-2512
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.1992.tb00982.x

Sequential salivary gland scintigraphy with 99mTc-technetium pertechnetate (Tc-99) is a safe, minimally invasive test for study of major salivary glands. However, its relationship to salivary function has not been investigated in detail. We have investigated the relationship between major salivary gland flow rates and Tc-99 scans and developed a new rating scale using scans of a control group with normal salivary function. Salivary flow rates and Tc-99 scans were obtained from healthy, non-medicated subjects (n = 33) and from xerostomic patients (n = 22). There were significant differences between the groups for salivary flow rates and Tc-99 ratings. Significant correlations were found between salivary flow rates and Tc-99 ratings in the control and xerostomic groups. The Tc-99 rating scale proved reliable in assessing salivary dysfunction, and showed a high inter-examiner correlation. These results demonstrate the usefulness of salivary gland scintigraphy in assessing major salivary gland flow rates and the utility of a new rating scale.