Semi-Quantitative Evaluation of Submandibular Gland Function by Improved Dynamic Salivary Gland Scintigraphy

[Objective]The aim of the study was to establish an improved dynamic(99m)Tc-pertechnetate salivary gland scintigraphy to evaluate function of submandibular glands semi-quantitatively.[Methods]Thirty normal volunteers and 44 patients with Sjogren's syndrome underwent dynamic(99m)Tc-pertechnetate salivary gland scintigraphy.The data were acquired 30 minutes consecutively with vitamin C administered at the fifteenth minute.Computer-produced composite image including dynamic images,time-activity curves and functional index of all salivary glands were acquired automatically using the technique of region of interest(ROIs) and self-compiled software of the computer.Average,standard deviation of the functional index of submandibular glands of the two groups were compared.[Results]Salivary gland scintigraphy was completed successfully in all 74 persons. Dynamic images,time-radioactivity curves and functional indexes of submandibular glands were acquired in a composite image in each scintigraphy.The uptake index,relative uptake index at the fifteenth minute and excretion fraction in normal group were significantly larger than those in SS group(P0.05).[Conclusion]Dynamic(99m)Tc-pertechnetate salivary gland scintigraphy in 30 min can reflex the function of the submandibular gland intuitively and semiquantitatively.It is time-saving and deserves popularization.