Measuring change in parotid gland size: test-retest reliability of a novel method.

BACKGROUND

There is currently no convenient method for measuring parotid gland hypertrophy, a common condition among patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) and anorexia nervosa (AN).

OBJECTIVE

To develop a technique for reliably estimating change in parotid gland size.

METHODS

A method for measuring facial width as a surrogate marker of parotid gland size was developed using calipers to measure between defined reference points located on the parotid gland region. The method was tested for reliability when performed by a single operator and used to determine face width measurements of 15 control subjects.

RESULTS

Face width measurements were reliable when performed by a single operator. Face width measurements of control subjects ranged from 9.1 cm to 15.3 cm.

DISCUSSION

The caliper method of measuring changes in parotid size is a novel method of measurement of parotid hypertrophy. It is quick, non-invasive and inexpensive and is highly reliable in the hands of a single operator.