Allergy-Related Sialodochitis: A Preliminary Cohort Study.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Allergy Immunology

Background:

• Allergy-related sialodochitis (ARS) presents with recurrent salivary gland swelling and mucus plug exudation.
• Diagnosis often relies on clinical symptoms and atopic history, but objective markers are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish clinically feasible diagnostic criteria for ARS.
• To evaluate treatment outcomes for ARS using interventional endoscopy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study enrolled 96 patients with suspected ARS.
• Patients were categorized into a highly-suspected ARS group (Group A, n=64) based on elevated peripheral blood eosinophils (PBE) and/or serum IgE, and a control group (Group B, n=32).
• Treatment involved interventional endoscopy, with outcomes assessed using the chronic obstructive sialadenitis symptom (COSS) questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Group A showed significantly higher PBE (34.4%) and elevated serum IgE (84.4%) compared to Group B.
• Sialography revealed characteristic 'snowflake' changes more frequently in Group A.
• Mucus plug smears and biopsies confirmed eosinophilic infiltration in Group A patients.
• COSS scores improved in both groups post-treatment, with Group B showing better improvement.

Conclusions:

• Elevated PBE and serum IgE are crucial diagnostic indicators for ARS.
• Mucus plug examination and histopathology confirm the diagnosis.
• Interventional endoscopy is an effective treatment modality for ARS.