Major Salivary Gland Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Sjögren's Syndrome: A Place in the Diagnostic Criteria?

Abstract

Major salivary gland (SG) ultrasonography (US) represents a noninvasive, nonirradiating imaging modality for evaluation of the major SGs in the diagnosis and follow-up of primary and secondary Sjögren syndrome. Structural changes can be visualized as hyperechogenic and hypoechogenic areas, inhomogeneity, and altered echogenicity in general. The reliability of SG-US is poorly investigated, and the definition of US abnormalities varies in previously published studies. Recent studies have shown correlations between SG-US findings and focus score in the minor SGs; however further studies are needed to validate a US criterion in updated classification/diagnostic criteria.

Keywords: Imaging; Major salivary gland; Sjögren’s syndrome; Ultrasonography; Ultrasound.