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Updated: Nov 4, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Focus on Standardized Salivary Gland Ultrasound Protocol in Connective Tissue Disease Research
Published on: October 13, 2023
Radioiodine therapy induced sialadenitis versus chronic idiopathic sialadenitis-Presentation and outcomes
Hanna Gilat1,2, Igor Vainer1,2, Gal Avishai3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center - Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel.
Background:
This study explores the unique characters of high dose radioactive iodine (RAI) induced chronic sialadenitis.
Methods:
A retrospective study of patients having received salivary endoscopy and followed in our outpatient clinic.
Results:
A total of 100 patients met the inclusion criteria, 75 were diagnosed with chronic idiopathic sialoadenitis and 25 with radio-iodine induced sialoadenitis (RIS). The main complaint in both groups was swelling of the parotid gland. Pain, dysphagia, and xerostomia were observed considerably more in the RIS group. During sialo-endoscopy, fibrosis of the Stensen's duct was more common in the RIS group (p = 0.003). RIS patients group generally managed better with interventional endoscopic treatment alone (80% vs. 46%).
Conclusion:
RIS patients have distinct clinical characteristics. There may be a collateral muscular damage to the masticatory muscles. Fibrosis and parenchymal damage are major findings during sialendoscopy. Sialendoscopy is a safe and efficient treatment for RAI induced sialadenitis.

