Radioiodine therapy effects on salivary gland function in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer [Persian]

Salivary gland involvement is one of the radioiodine therapy complications. Salivary gland scintigraphy in quantitative mode can accurately evaluate salivary gland function. Methods: Salivary gland scintigraphy was performed with Tc-۹۹m Pertechnetate, at the time of iodine therapy as a basic study and then ۳ weeks and ۳ months afterwards. Ejection Fraction (EF) of parotid and submandibular glands was obtained at each stage of the study. Results: ۳۶ patients (۱۰ male, ۱۶ female) were studied. Mean of EF ۳ weeks and ۳ months following radioiodine therapy was reduced. There was no significant involvement in ۱۲ patients (۳۳.۳%). With increase in radioiodine dose, more salivary gland involvement was noted in ۳ weeks (P=۰.۰۷), but not after ۳ months (P=۰.۵). No difference was noted between two sexes (P=۰.۶). Parotid gland involvement was more than submandibular gland (P<۰.۰۵), confirming more radiosensitivity of parotid gland. No meaningful relation was noted between salivary gland involvements with age (P=۰.۱). Parotid gland dysfunction was not related to radioiodine dose, but in submandibular gland, with dosage increase, more involvement was noted (P=۰.۰۲). Clinical symptoms were not reliable in evaluating salivary gland dysfunction.

Keywords:

Salivary gland function , Radioiodine , Differentiated thyroid cancer