Sonographic diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome: evaluation of parotid gland vascularity as a diagnostic tool

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of the vascularity in parotid glands in sonographic diagnosis for Sjögren syndrome. Study design: Sonographic images of 72 cases of previously suspected Sjögren syndrome (including 43 actual cases) were analyzed retrospectively for the abnormal vascularity in the parotid gland parenchyma. The relationships between the vascularity and the results of sialographic, serologic, and histopathologic examinations were analyzed. We also compared the diagnostic accuracy of B-mode only with that of B-mode plus Doppler-mode. Results: Sjögren-positive cases showed significantly higher vascularity. As the grade of vascularity became higher, the rate of the Sjögren-negative cases became lower. The highest mean vascular score could be observed both in the initial stage and in the cavitary-destructive stage in the sialographic grades. Sensitivity and accuracy were markedly improved with vascular information. Conclusion: By using vascular information, sonographic diagnosis for Sjögren syndrome can be improved.