OBJECTIVE

The aim the study is determination of the features of the manifestations of sialadenitis that developed during or after radioiodine therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed the data of 61 patients who received at least one session of radioiodine therapy. The patients were divided into two groups: with and without salivary gland pathology. Patients in the control group underwent scintigraphy and ultrasound examination of the soft tissues of the maxillofacial region and neck, as well as salivary gland structures, once every 3 months (in remission — once a year). When obstruction of the ductal system of the salivary glands was detected, patients underwent diagnostic sialoscopy.

RESULTS

A bilateral lesion of the parotid salivary gland was found in 10 (36%) patients. Damage to the salivary glands developed after receiving at least one dose of radioiodine therapy (2.56 Gbq). The main complaint was an enlargement of the salivary gland. The first symptoms of the disease appeared at initial doses of radionuclide therapy not exceeding 6.77 Gbq(at the minimum dose 2.56 Gbq): the median time for the first symptoms of salivary gland disease was 14.5 (95% CI 11.0—113.0) months (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The main clinical signs of sialadenitis, which broke down against the background of radioiodine therapy, are impaired saliva outflow, as well as xerostomia. Therefore, the treatment of this pathology should be aimed at restoring the patency of the ductal system and stimulating saliva production.