Sialographic Analysis of Radioiodine-Associated Chronic Sialadenitis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To apply a novel sialography classification system to identify parotid and submandibular ductal findings following I-131 therapy and to assess correlates to dose and duration of symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective single-center case series.

METHODS

Patients who underwent sialography between February 2008 and February 2019 after previously receiving I-131 treatment were identified via a retrospective chart review. Their sialograms were systematically evaluated and scored by applying the Iowa parotid sialogram scale to also include submandibular gland analysis.

RESULTS

From 337 sialograms, 30 (five submandibular, 25 parotid) underwent analysis. Ductal stenosis was identified in all sialograms and was graded as moderate (>50%-75%) in 7/30 cases and severe (>75%) in 15/30 cases. The distal (main) duct was narrowed in 23/30 cases. No association was identified between degree of ductal stenosis and I-131 dose (P = .39), age (P = .81), or time from I-131 therapy to sialogram (P = .97).

CONCLUSIONS

The Iowa parotid sialogram scale was successfully applied to report abnormalities of the parotid and submandibular ductal system. The most common manifestation of I-131-associated sialadenitis was a severe stenosis within the distal salivary duct. No statistically significant association was found between degree of ductal stenosis and dose of I-131, age, or duration of symptoms.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1450-E1456, 2021.