The Submandibular Gland and The Aging Neck: A Longitudinal Volumetric Study

Area of Science:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Radiology
• Aging research

Background:

• Submandibular gland (SMG) volume changes with aging are not well understood.
• Patient factors like BMI, sex, and race may influence SMG volume.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of aging, BMI, sex, and race on SMG volume.
• To analyze longitudinal changes in SMG volume using computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective longitudinal study of adult subjects with serial CT scans.
• Exclusion of subjects with salivary gland pathology, prior neck surgery, or radiation.
• Measurement of three-dimensional SMG volumes and analysis of demographic and anthropometric data.

Main Results:

• Mean SMG volume increased from 10.1 ml to 10.5 ml over approximately 11 years.
• Males exhibited significantly larger SMG volumes than females.
• Most SMG volume growth occurred in individuals under 40, especially males.
• Changes in BMI were the sole significant predictor of SMG volume change (0.17 ml increase per 1.0 kg/m² BMI increase).
• Race did not significantly affect SMG volume.

Conclusions:

• SMG volume changes are most pronounced in early adulthood (<40 years), particularly in males.
• Body mass index (BMI) is the most significant factor influencing longitudinal SMG volume changes.
• CT imaging provides valuable data for understanding factors affecting salivary gland volume.