Normal Images (Prepared by Dr Guillermo Contreras)

            A 54 year old female, in evaluation for Sjogren´s syndrome. The scan shows progressive and symmetrical uptake of the major 4 salivary glands (Parotids an Submandibulars).  Theres is  also mild spontaneous secretion into the mouth, which gets complete after acid stimulation at the 20th minute (Arrow).

            Salivary gland scintigraphy is a sensitive and valid method for evaluation of the funtion of the salivary glands. It is safe, well tolerated and easy to perform and enables assessment of the function  of the four major salivary glands. This method has 85,3% sensitivity   and 77,8% specifity.

References:

E-K Tensing. Salivary gland scintigraphy in Sjogren’s syndrome and patients with sicca symptoms but without Sjogren’s syndrome: the phycological profiles and predictors for salivary gland dysfunction. Ann Rheum Dis 2003; 62: 964-968.
 

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