[Xerostomia: the computerized gamma camera in diagnosis and treatment evaluation. Report of a case]

A 36-year old, white, married female referred an episode of acute parotitis 7 years ago, with the appearance of progressive impairment of saliva secretion during the last 3 years and, in the last few weeks, a 4-cm nodule in the left parotid gland. The computerized gamma-camera (CGC) examination after i.v. sodium (99mTc)-pertechnetate showed abnormally increased blood perfusion of the gland (corresponding to the nodule region), with virtually no concentration of the tracer in the salivary glands. A new scanning upon lemon juice (citric) stimulation was indistinguishable from that previously taken. A therapy with citric fruit, local massage and i.m. betamethasone (5 mg every 3 days) was instituted for 3 weeks. New CGC examination showed disappearance of the nodule, increased concentration of the tracer in salivary glands and satisfactory response to the citric stimulation. The clinical diagnosis of chronic inflammatory disease of the salivary glands was made; the response to therapy was considered excellent. Also, CGC scanning proved to be a simple and reliable method for salivary gland examination.