Using Tc-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy to predict the outcome of sialoendoscopy in obstructive submaxillaritis.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the findings of Tc-99m pertechnetate salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS) can predict the outcome of sialoendoscopic intervention in patients with obstructive submaxillaritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven patients with obstructive submaxillaritis were prospectively recruited. All patients underwent sialoendoscopy. Tc-99m pertechnetate SGS was performed both before and after sialoendoscopy. RESULTS Sialoendoscopy was effective in the glands with tracer uptake (n = 9) demonstrated on SGS before the procedure, evidenced by not only relief of the symptoms but also improvement in excretion in post therapy salivary gland scintigraphy. In contrast, sialoendoscopy was ineffective in the glands without tracer uptake (n = 2) in pretherapy scans. CONCLUSIONS In patients with submaxillaritis, whether a sialoendoscopy should be performed depends on the results of salivary gland scintigraphy.