The application of salivary gland scintigraphy in quantitative analysis of xerostomia as a frequent salivary gland dysfunction: A review article

Abstract

Salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS) that known as the most frequent non-invasive imaging test could be used for distinguishing dysfunction of salivary gland in patients who suffer from Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) or/and in patients with thyroid cancer after applying radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. One of the main side effects of salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), and also radiation therapy in patients who suffer from neck and head cancers is oral dryness that called xerostomia. Anyway, comprehensive futuristic information around conversions in function of salivary gland after SGS are rare. Accordingly, the initial purpose of this study was to distinguish the side effects of SGS on motivated flow rate of oral saliva. As a result, patients after being treated may experience correlated syndromes like xerostomia that could cause oral dryness, sore throat, dental decay, variation in voice quality, bad functions of swallowing and chewing and also altered taste. In this comprehensive study the author tried to review the published studies characterizing SGS technique in patients who suffer from xerostomia and also aimed to discuss around progresses made in the treatment of this disorder. Additionally, for determining the ability of undertaking salivary gland scintigraphy for evaluation of salivary gland health in patients who suffer from xerostomia disorder, some new methods should be develop.