Correlations of MR Sialographic Gradings with the Clinical Measures of Sjögren's Syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: Sjögren syndrome (SS) features salivary gland architectural changes such as ductal deformities and fat deposition secondary to inflammatory cell infiltrates; however, the anatomical and pathophysiological correlations of SS remain to be determined. This study aimed to determine the correlations of imaging findings based on the magnetic resonance (MR) sialography with the clinical and laboratory aspects of SS patients.

Methods: We evaluated the MR sialographic findings of two pairs of parotid glands (PGs) and submandibular glands (SMGs) from 41 SS patients. The distinct MR sialographic features were then compared with the clinical symptoms, biological (anti-SSA/Ro antibody positivity), histological (labial gland focus score), and functional (salivary flow and scintigraphy) data.

Results: Ductal deformities such as sialectasis in the PG ducts were exclusively observed in SS, and fat replacement in SMGs was more distinct in patients with SS than in non-SS sicca patients. Of the 82 PGs and SMGs from 41 SS patients, the grade of sialectasis in PGs on MR sialographic images and fat stage in SMGs showed strong correlations with anti-SSA/Ro-positivity. PG sialectasis was found more frequently in patients with dry mouth and decreased salivary gland function. A significant correlation was found between fat deposition in PGs and SMGs and decreased salivary gland function.

Conclusion: These results suggest that MR sialography is a reliable, adjunctive anatomical and functional study to assess SS. Detail aspects of sialectasis and fat accumulation encountered on MR sialography in SS patients can help physicians assume the disease status in SS.

Level of evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:307-316, 2023.

Keywords: Sjögren syndrome; magnetic resonance; parotid gland; salivary gland; submandibular gland.