Major salivary gland damage in allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation assessed by scintigraphic methods

Salivary gland dysfunction is a common sequela of hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT). The investigation of major salivary gland dysfunction with sodium pertechnetate scintigraphy is a non-invasive method that provides images of the parotid and submandibular glands. In this prospective trial, 20 HPCT patients were submitted to scintigraphic study with Tc-99m-pertechenate and Ga-67 in order to evaluate the major salivary glands early involvement following HPCT. Major salivary glands were evaluated prior to HCPT as well as at Days +30, +60 and +100 post transplant. Major salivary glands uptake and clearance of Tc-99m-pertechenate results did not demonstrate any functional differences between pre-versus post transplant periods. Results of the Ga-67 scan revealed inflammatory infiltration following HPCT, primarily in submandibular glands, suggest a persistent involvement of major salivary glands up to Day +100 after HPCT.