Normal Range of Quantitative Indices of Salivary Gland Scintigraphy ‎

Introduction. As a consequence of radio-terrorism or nuclear-radiological accidents dispersion ‎of 131I can lead to internal contamination resulting in salivary gland damage. 99mTc salivary ‎scintigraphy is a simple and confident technique for measuring indices of salivary gland function ‎quantitatively by which the severity of salivary gland dysfunction can be determined.‎ The chance of the accidents are significantly higher among active, employed people (18-50 ‎yr).The objective of our study is collecting a normal data base of quantitative indices for salivary ‎scintigraphy in this age group as a base for post-accident evaluation of victims.‎ Material and Methods. Dynamic salivary gland scintigraphy was performed for 120 ‎consecutive patients (18-50yr‎‏ ‏mean 31.6) excluding those with signs or symptoms of xerostmia.‎ From 30 second frames time-activity curve was extracted and post-stimulatory excretion fraction ‎‎(EF) and relative integral of uptake (Int%) was calculated for each major salivary gland.‎ Results. Mean EF with 95% confidence interval for parotid and submandibular was 77-79.5% ‎and 58.8-61.5% respectively. Mean Int% for parotid and submandibular was 27.3-29% and 21-‎‎22.5% respectively. Generally Int% of parotid and submandibular in 95% of the patients was ‎‎>15% and >10.7% respectively and EF of parotid and submandibular in 95% of the patients was ‎‎>57% and >36.8% respectively.‎ Discussion. The normal ranges can be used in working patients suspected for salivary gland ‎dysfunction after an accident.‎