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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction
Published on: April 24, 2016
Late side effects of radioactive iodine on salivary gland function in patients with thyroid cancer
Juliana Pereira Almeida1, Alvaro Enrique Sanabria, Eduardo Nóbrega Pereira Lima
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital A.C. Camargo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Background:
The purpose of this study was to assess the late side effects of radioiodine therapy (RIT) on salivary gland function. One hundred eighty two patients were evaluated.
Methods:
Assessment of salivary gland function was performed with salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS), sialometry, and subjective open questions to determine common side effects of RIT on salivary gland function.
Results:
RIT had a strong association with decreased elimination counts by SGS. Patient age was the only variable associated with sialometry; age and the use of xerostomic drugs were strongly associated with decreased mean values of salivary flow. Dysphagia was strongly associated with RIT. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, age was determined to be an important factor associated with salivary gland dysfunction, and RIT was associated with impairment of saliva excretion.
Conclusion:
These results show that patients subjected to RIT have more difficulty in draining saliva, mainly from the parotid glands, which is associated with clinical dysphagia in this subset of patients.
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