Diagnostic value of sialography with both the conventional and digital subtraction techniques in children with primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The application of anamnestic data on siccative symptoms required for classifying adult Sjögren's syndrome is limited in childhood. Instrumental test procedures are therefore necessary for objectively recording the oral and ophthalmologic manifestations of the disease. The aim of this study was to clarify the sialographic changes that occur in Sjögren's syndrome in children.

STUDY DESIGN: A total of 23 sialograms were obtained with both conventional and digital subtraction techniques in 21 children with primary (10 girls and 1 boy) or secondary Sjögren's syndrome (10 girls). The films were assessed by 3 physicians and submitted for a consensus analysis if necessary.

RESULTS: The pathologic features observed in the children varied from a slightly narrowed ductal system to multiple peripheral ductal ectasias and completely destroyed parenchyma. Sialographic examinations demonstrate that, with progressing disease, regression of acinar dilatations and rarification of the ductal system occur.

CONCLUSION: The results show that the spectrum of sialographically recordable lesions in Sjögren's syndrome in children is greater than is described thus far in the literature.