Tomographic measurements of age changes in the human parotid gland

This study involved 48 subjects of both sexes with ages ranging from 22 years to 90 years. Computerised tomography was used to scan the right and left parotid gland. Gland mean density was calculated in Hounsfield units and regression graphs drawn. A significant fall in gland density was noted with subject age but no differences were noted between male and female subjects. A significant correlation was observed between the mean density of right and left glands in the same individuals. It is postulated that the fall in gland density is related to an increase in fibro-fatty tissue within the gland. This study provides evidence that age related changes occur in the human parotid gland from youth to old age. This work supports the earlier findings of Scott's who studied the superficial lobe of the parotid gland histologically and found an increase in adipose tissue in this area of the gland with age.