Biopsies des glandes salivaires en rhumatologie

Abstract

Minor salivary gland biopsy is routinely performed by rheumatologist owing to its simplicity and its diagnostic usefulness. Sjögren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis are classic indications for salivary gland biopsy. Hundreds of minor salivary glands are located into the oral cavity. Palate salivary gland are rarely taken off and labial salivary gland biopsy is the most used technique. Despite its apparent ease, few precautions are mandatory to prevent complications such as hematomas or secondary numbness of the lip. Considering that labial salivary glands produce only 10 % of the saliva, their biopsy has no functional impact. Major salivary gland biopsy has been reported. Parotid biopsy was mainly performed before labial salivary gland biopsy was described. Sublingual gland biopsy was rarely described and submandibular gland biopsy never. With new techniques and the use of ultrasonography–limiting the side effects–parotid gland biopsy might find a new lease of life.