Role of perfusion computed tomography in assessing submandibular gland radiochemotherapy-induced injury

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to detect changes in the volume and perfusion parameters of the submandibular glands during and after radiochemotherapy.

Study design: Twelve patients underwent computed tomography (CT) and perfusion CT before radiochemotherapy, after 40 Gy, after 70 Gy, and 3 months after radiochemotherapy. Submandibular gland volume, blood volume, permeability surface area product, and blood flow were quantified.

Results: Submandibular gland volumes during and after therapy were significantly lower compared with the baseline value (P < .001). Blood volume, blood flow, and permeability surface area product values showed statistically significant reduction during and 3 months after therapy. A significant linear correlation was found between changes in submandibular gland volume and of the perfusion parameter blood volume in the period between baseline and 3 months after therapy (P = .012; RP = -0.697).

Conclusions: Changes in submandibular gland volume and dynamics of perfusion parameters imply that radiation-induced injury of submandibular glands develops early during radiochemotherapy.