[Evaluation of normal submandibular gland function by sialo-scintigraphy]

Area of Science:

• Salivary Gland Imaging
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Submandibular gland diseases require a thorough understanding of normal glandular function.
• Establishing baseline functional parameters is crucial for accurate disease evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the normal glandular function of the submandibular gland.
• To establish a reference for evaluating submandibular gland diseases.

Main Methods:

• Emission Computerized Tomography (ECT) was employed to analyze submandibular and temporal areas.
• Comparative analysis was performed on eleven pairs of normal submandibular glands.

Main Results:

• The submandibular area background was approximately 2.18 times that of the temporal background.
• Normal submandibular gland parameters included a Concentrate Index of 1.42 ± 0.89, Secretory Index of (109.4 ± 39.8)%, Secretory Index Ratio of (77.2 ± 17.2)%, Concentrate Index Ratio of 71.0 ± 15.2%, and a Function Index of (89.9 ± 7.4)%.

Conclusions:

• Submandibular area background and functional index offer a more accurate and sensitive representation of submandibular gland function.
• The established normal functional index serves as a foundation for future research into submandibular gland diseases.