Endoscopic treatment of salivary glands affected by autoimmune diseases

To asses the possibility of an endoscopic technique to diagnose, treat, and maintain the salivary glands in patients with Sjögren syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus.

A total of 8 patients with Sjögren syndrome and 2 with systemic lupus erythematosus with affected salivary glands were included in the present study. The treatment approach included parotid sialoendoscopy with thorough rinsing, and Stenson's duct dilation using hydrostatic pressure and a high-pressure balloon. Hydrocortisone 100 mg was injected through direct vision into the duct. The study was exempt by the Barzilai Medical Center review board.

The main diagnosis of the patients was chronic recurrent parotitis, with the exception of 1 patient, who presented with salivary stones.

The pathologic features of the salivary glands resulting from Sjögren syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus can be managed successfully using an endoscopic approach.