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Quantitative analysis of normal major salivary glands using computed tomography
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and Dental Research Institute, College of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Korea.
Summary
Age and obesity impact major salivary gland size and CT number in Koreans. Correlations between parotid and submandibular gland CT numbers may aid diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- Normal parotid and submandibular gland size and CT number data are crucial for diagnosing salivary gland diseases.
- Factors like age, sex, and obesity can influence these parameters.
- Understanding these relationships in specific populations, such as Koreans, is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the normal size (Maximum Cross-Sectional Area - MCSA) and computed tomography (CT) number of parotid and submandibular glands in the Korean population.
- To evaluate the influence of sex, age, and obesity on these gland parameters.
- To explore potential correlations between the glands for diagnostic applications.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of axial CT images from 42 healthy Korean volunteers.
- Measurement of gland size using MCSA.
- Calculation of mean CT number from three regions of interest on axial scans.
Main Results:
- Both submandibular gland MCSA and CT numbers of both glands decreased significantly with age.
- Submandibular gland MCSA was larger in males than females.
- Positive correlation between body mass index and parotid gland MCSA; negative correlation between BMI and CT numbers of both glands.
Conclusions:
- Age and obesity are significantly correlated with the size and CT number of major salivary glands.
- The correlation between parotid and submandibular gland CT numbers shows potential for diagnostic utility.