Impaired salivary gland function reveals autonomic dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
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Updated: Sep 29, 2026

A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Published on: February 21, 2011
Ralf Giess1, Edgar Werner, Marcus Beck
1Department of Neurology, University of Wuerzburg, Germany. ralf.giess@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de
Abstract:
Recent studies have revealed autonomic dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We studied salivary gland function by quantitative scintigraphy in ALS patients (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30). Uptake of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate in the parotid and submandibular glands was significantly decreased in ALS patients. No correlation was found between radiotracer uptake and regions of onset (bulbar-limb), duration of disease, or functional scores. Our data show early subclinical autonomic involvement supporting the view that ALS is a multisystem degenerative disease.
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