Xerostomia in Sjögren's Syndrome: Evaluation by Sequential Salivary Scintigraphy

Sequential salivary scintigraphy, or the visual recording with a gamma scintillation camera of the uptake, concentration, and excretion of 99m Tc pertechnetate by the major salivary glands after the administration of sodium pertechnetate Tc 99m, was performed on 20 female patients with Sjogren's syndrome. The results were compared with those of other procedures currently used to evaluate xerostomia. The scintigraphic findings closely paralleled the results of the salivary flow-rate determinations and contrast sialography and the patients' clinical symptoms, but did not correlate with the finding of lymphocytic infiltration in lip biopsy specimens or the detection of the anti-salivaryduct antibody. The scintigraphic examination proved to be extremely sensitive in depicting small asymmetric differences in parotid gland activity and in monitoring the improvement in salivary gland function with immunosuppressive therapy. Sequential salivary scintigraphy appears to be an easy, safe, and objective means of evaluating xerostomia in patients with Sjogen's syndrome.