Salivary gland disorders

Differentiation of submandibular sialadenitis based on apparent diffusion coefficient

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to quantify the submandibular gland in suppurative sialadenitis, primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and radiation-induced sialadenitis using the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for differential diagnosis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 16 patients with suppurative sialadenitis (n = 9), pSS (n = 3) and radiation-induced sialadenitis (n = 4) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging between June 2006 and May 2022. The ADC of the submandibular glands in each state was calculated, and the differences were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the ability of the ADC to distinguish each condition. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean ADC value (×10-3 mm2/s) ± standard deviation in the control (non-affected side of the suppurative sialadenitis group), suppurative sialadenitis, pSS and radiation-induced groups were 0.94 ± 0.16, 1.24 ± 0.16, 1.33 ± 0.13 and 1.5 ± 0.12, respectively (p < 0.001). The diagnostic value for distinguishing each group was ≥0.75.

CONCLUSION

ADC values are useful for quantitatively assessing and distinguishing submandibular glands in suppurative sialadenitis, primary Sjögren's syndrome and radiation-induced sialadenitis.

A Rare Case of Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Right Submandibular Gland

Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the submandibular gland is an extremely rare carcinoma of the salivary gland that originates from the basal cells of the submandibular gland. Due to its rarity, there are relatively few case reports and literature on this cancer. After comprehensive clinical, imaging, and pathologic analyses, we confirmed the patient's diagnosis and documented the consultation in detail. The purpose of this article is to report the case of a patient with basal cell adenocarcinoma of the submandibular gland and to perform a review of the relevant literature to improve the understanding of this rare disease.

Sialadenitis of the anterior mandibular vestibule: A subset of burning mouth syndrome

Burning Mouth syndrome (BMS) is a relatively common oral neurosensory disorder known for oral burning pain. In that there is a relative absence of oral clinical findings and systemic causation, the diagnosis of BMS is challenging. Sialadenitis of the anterior mandibular vestibule appears to be a subset of BMS. The lip component of chronic orofacial pain is potentially an important concern with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic orofacial pain. Discussion regarding the etiology, diagnosis, and therapy of this condition is provided.

Efficacy of a deep leaning model created with the transfer learning method in detecting sialoliths of the submandibular gland on panoramic radiography

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the performance of 3 deep learning models, including a model constructed with the transfer learning method, in detecting submandibular gland sialoliths on panoramic radiographs.

STUDY DESIGN

We used data from 2 institutions (A and B) to create the models for use in institution B. In total, 224 panoramic radiographs with sialoliths were used. Model 1 was created using data from institution A only, model 2 was created using combined data from institutions A and B, and model 3 was created using the transfer learning method by having model 1 transferred and trained in various learning epochs using data from institution B. These models were tested and compared in their detection performance using testing data sets from institution B.

RESULTS

Model 2 and model 3 with 300 epochs performed equally well and yielded the highest detection rates (recall: sensitivity of 85%, precision: positive predictive value of 100%, and F measure of 91.9%) for sialoliths on panoramic radiographs.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that use of the transfer learning method with an appropriate number of epochs may be an alternative to sharing patient personal data among institutions.

Radiographic Interpretation in Oral Medicine and Hospital Dental Practice

Oral medicine practice includes the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of oral and orofacial diseases and oral manifestations of systemic conditions. Oral medicine specialists in medical and dental settings often require imaging in assessment and treatment of these conditions. This article reviews imaging that may be used in practice, particularly as relevant for facial pain, bone conditions, and salivary gland disease. It reviews imaging that may be considered in a hospital setting for assessment of admitted patients, patient evaluation before surgical procedures, and provision of dentistry in a hospital setting for patients who cannot submit to treatment in an outpatient setting.

Oral cavity and eating disorders: An insight to holistic health

Oral health is vital to the general well being and is a time-tested indicator of the systemic health of an individual. Oral cavity may be the primary site affected in endocrine disorders, renal disorders, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematological, autoimmune cutaneous disorders, and psychosomatic disorders. Eating disorders (primarily Anorexia nervosa and bulimia) are psychosomatic disorders having multifaceted etiology, and characterized by abnormal eating patterns. In many cases, the oral cavity may be the only site of the manifestations of eating disorders. An oral physician may often unveil the mystery of this underlying systemic pathology by a vigilant and meticulous examination of the oral cavity. This not only helps in nabbing the disease in its early course but also prevents the patients from the appalling consequences due to the disease. This article aims to highlight the etiopathogenesis and various oral features in eating disorders. The oral physician should be familiar with the bizarre oral features of eating disorders and should work in close connection with other healthcare physicians to prevent the psychosomatic and systemic consequences.

Does fasting during Ramadan increase the risk of the development of sialadenitis?

BACKGROUND

Ramadan is a month within the Islamic lunar calendar when Muslims are required to fast (abstain from food and drink) during the daytime (from sunrise to sunset) for the entire month. Due to the established connection between fasting and dehydration and acute sialadenitis, the aim of this study is to determine if there is a higher frequency of sialadenitis among the Muslim population during Ramadan than during other months of the year.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study using the medical records of 120 Muslim patients admitted to the emergency room (ER) and diagnosed with acute sialadenitis over a 5-year period at the Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, and St. Vincent de Paul (French) Hospital, Nazareth, both located in Israel. The study group were Muslim patients, with the aforementioned diagnosis, admitted during Ramadan, while the control group included patients diagnosed with sialadenitis during the rest of the year. We analyzed overall admission frequency as well as descriptive and diagnostic data, including age, sex, gland involved and several blood test results.

RESULTS

During the month of Ramadan, the admission of Muslims with a diagnosis of acute sialadenitis was more than double that during the other months of the year - a difference that was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.001). Additionally, we found that Ramadan sialadenitis patients had significantly higher leukocyte numbers at admission (p = 0.0085) and, importantly, a significantly higher level of dehydration (blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio) than non-Ramadan sialadenitis patients (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

There is evidence that fasting in Ramadan may increase the risk for the development of acute sialadenitis. Our results suggest that this may be the result of dehydration.

How Evidence-Based Dentistry Has Shaped the Practice of Oral Medicine

Oral medicine is "the discipline of dentistry concerned with the oral health care of medically complex patients, including the diagnosis and primarily nonsurgical treatment and/or management of medically related conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial region." In each of these areas, evidence-based medicine has shaped theoretic understanding and clinical practice. The available evidence allows for improved patient management. Further evidence, as it becomes available, should be reviewed on a regular basis to guide our clinical practice.

Review of the Major and Minor Salivary Glands, Part 1: Anatomy, Infectious, and Inflammatory Processes

The major and minor salivary glands of the head and neck are important structures that contribute to many of the normal physiologic processes of the aerodigestive tract. The major salivary glands are routinely included within the field of view of standard neuroimaging, and although easily identifiable, salivary pathology is relatively rare and often easy to overlook. Knowledge of the normal and abnormal imaging appearance of the salivary glands is critical for forming useful differential diagnoses, as well as initiating proper clinical workup for what are often incidental findings. The purpose of this review is to provide a succinct image-rich article illustrating relevant anatomy and pathology of the salivary glands via an extensive review of the primary literature. In Part 1, we review anatomy as well as provide an in-depth discussion of the various infectious and inflammatory processes that can affect the salivary glands.

Diagnostic work-up in obstructive and inflammatory salivary gland disorders

Inflammatory and obstructive disorders of the salivary glands are caused by very different pathological conditions affecting the gland tissue and/or the excretory system. The clinical setting is essential to address the appropriate diagnostic imaging work-up. According to history and physical examination, four main clinical scenarios can be recognised: (1) acute generalised swelling of major salivary glands; (2) acute swelling of a single major salivary gland; (3) chronic generalised swelling of major salivary glands, associated or not with "dry mouth"; (4) chronic or prolonged swelling of a single major salivary gland. The algorithm for imaging salivary glands depends on the scenario with which the patient presents to the clinician. Imaging is essential to confirm clinical diagnosis, define the extent of the disease and identify complications. Imaging techniques include ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) with MR sialography.

Imaging of the sublingual and submandibular spaces

Abstract

Divided by the mylohyoid muscle, the sublingual and submandibular spaces represent a relatively small part of the oral cavity, but account for a disproportionate amount of pathological processes. These entities are traditionally separated into congenital, infectious/inflammatory, vascular and neoplastic aetiologies. This article reviews the relevant anatomy, clinical highlights and distinguishing imaging features necessary for accurate characterisation.

Teaching Points

• The mylohyoid sling is a key anatomical landmark useful in surgical planning.

• Congenital lesions and infectious/inflammatory processes constitute the majority of pathology.

• Depth of invasion is key when staging tumours in the oral cavity.

[Swelling of the submandibular and parotid glands : A description of possible differential diagnoses]

Swelling of single or multiple major salivary glands can be caused by various local or systemic diseases. In differential diagnosis, congenital cystic or vascular malformations should be considered, as well as infectious or tumorous alterations. Salivary duct obstructions due to sialolithiasis or stenosis can cause salivary gland enlargement. Multiple systemic diseases can have manifestations in the parotid or submandibular glands. As therapy varies from cause to cause, knowledge of the different potential diagnoses is crucial.

A mathematical model of calcium dynamics in HSY cells

Saliva is an essential part of activities such as speaking, masticating and swallowing. Enzymes in salivary fluid protect teeth and gums from infectious diseases, and also initiate the digestion process. Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) plays a critical role in saliva secretion and regulation. Experimental measurements of Ca2+ and inositol trisphosphate (IP3) concentrations in HSY cells, a human salivary duct cell line, show that when the cells are stimulated with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or carbachol (CCh), they exhibit coupled oscillations with Ca2+ spike peaks preceding IP3 spike peaks. Based on these data, we construct a mathematical model of coupled Ca2+ and IP3 oscillations in HSY cells and perform model simulations of three different experimental settings to forecast Ca2+ responses. The model predicts that when Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space is removed, oscillations gradually slow down until they stop. The model simulation of applying a pulse of IP3 predicts that photolysis of caged IP3 causes a transient increase in the frequency of the Ca2+ oscillations. Lastly, when Ca2+-dependent activation of PLC is inhibited, we see an increase in the oscillation frequency and a decrease in the amplitude. These model predictions are confirmed by experimental data. We conclude that, although concentrations of Ca2+ and IP3 oscillate, Ca2+ oscillations in HSY cells are the result of modulation of the IP3 receptor by intracellular Ca2+, and that the period is modulated by the accompanying IP3 oscillations.

Imaging of sialadenitis

Sialadenitis is an inflammation or infection of the salivary glands that may affect the parotid, submandibular and small salivary glands. Imaging findings vary among unilateral or bilateral salivary gland enlargement, atrophy, abscess, ductal dilation, cysts, stones and calcification. Imaging can detect abscess in acute bacterial suppurative sialadenitis, ductal changes with cysts in chronic adult and juvenile recurrent parotitis. Imaging is sensitive for detection of salivary stones and stricture in obstructive sialadenitis. Immunoglobulin G4-sialadenitis appears as bilateral submandibular gland enlargement. Imaging is helpful in staging and surveillance of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome. Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentation can aid diagnosis of granulomatous sialadenitis. Post-treatment sialadenitis can occur after radiotherapy, radioactive iodine or surgery.

Imaging of sialadenitis

Sialadenitis is an inflammation or infection of the salivary glands that may affect the parotid, submandibular and small salivary glands. Imaging findings vary among unilateral or bilateral salivary gland enlargement, atrophy, abscess, ductal dilation, cysts, stones and calcification. Imaging can detect abscess in acute bacterial suppurative sialadenitis, ductal changes with cysts in chronic adult and juvenile recurrent parotitis. Imaging is sensitive for detection of salivary stones and stricture in obstructive sialadenitis. Immunoglobulin G4-sialadenitis appears as bilateral submandibular gland enlargement. Imaging is helpful in staging and surveillance of patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentation can aid diagnosis of granulomatous sialadenitis. Post-treatment sialadenitis can occur after radiotherapy, radioactive iodine or surgery.

Imaging of sialadenitis

Sialadenitis is an inflammation or infection of the salivary glands that may affect the parotid, submandibular and small salivary glands. Imaging findings vary among unilateral or bilateral salivary gland enlargement, atrophy, abscess, ductal dilation, cysts, stones and calcification. Imaging can detect abscess in acute bacterial suppurative sialadenitis, ductal changes with cysts in chronic adult and juvenile recurrent parotitis. Imaging is sensitive for detection of salivary stones and stricture in obstructive sialadenitis. Immunoglobulin G4-sialadenitis appears as bilateral submandibular gland enlargement. Imaging is helpful in staging and surveillance of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome. Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentation can aid diagnosis of granulomatous sialadenitis. Post-treatment sialadenitis can occur after radiotherapy, radioactive iodine or surgery.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Eating Disorders

Individuals with eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, may present with a range of gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations. The oral cavity, salivary glands, GI tract, pancreas, and liver can be impacted by nutritional restrictive and binge/purging behaviors. Complications are often reversible with appropriate nutritional therapy. At times, however, the complications in these disorders may be severe, irreversible and even life threatening. Given the often covert nature of eating disorders, the practitioner must be attentive to subtle clues that may indicate their presence. Extensive diagnostic evaluations of the GI manifestations of eating disorders should be used only when nutritional rehabilitation does not remedy the problems.

Salivary lactate dehydrogenase and aminotransferases in diabetic patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases resulting from impaired insulin secretion and/or action. DM is characterized by hyperglycemia that can lead to the dysfunction or damage of organs, including the salivary glands.The aim of this study was to compare the levels of salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in diabetic patients.The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of Wroclaw Medical University (Poland). The study comprised 90 adults of both sexes, aged 21 to 57 years. The patients were divided into 3 groups: type 1 diabetics (D1), type 2 diabetics (D2), and a healthy control group (C). Each group consisted of 30 age- and sex-matched subjects. Total protein (P, by Lowry method), LDH, AST, ALT (with Alpha Diagnostics kits), and salivary flow rate were measured in unstimulated mixed saliva. The level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured with DCA 2000 Reagent Kit. The obtained data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Spearman rank at a significance level of P < 0.05 with the use of STATISTICA 9.0 software.In comparison with C, D1 presented a significantly higher activity of LDH (P < 0.001), AST (P < 0.001), and ALT (P < 0.01), whereas D2 indicated higher levels of LDH (P < 0.001) and ALT (P < 0.05) compared with C. Comparing D1 to D2, approximately 3-fold higher activity of AST (P < 0.01) and approximately 4.5-fold higher activity of ALT (P < 0.01) was observed.Higher levels of salivary LDH, AST, and ALT in D1 compared with D2 and C confirm that salivary glands of D1 might be attributed to autoimmunological damage associated with the pathomechanism of DM.

Rare medical manifestations of severe restricting and purging: "Zebras," missed diagnoses, and best practices

OBJECTIVE

Medical problems that arise due to severe restricting and/or purging may be misdiagnosed or suboptimally treated, from outpatient clinics to top medical hospitals. A symptom may be presumed to be a psychological manifestation of the eating disorder and inappropriately dismissed for further medical evaluation. Alternatively, a detailed medical workup may be performed, overlooking a classic relationship between starvation and a physical finding, which delays referral to eating disorder care. This review article focuses on rare medical issues (also called "zebras" in medical training), diagnoses that may be missed in patients with eating disorders, and best practices for management, organized by organ system.

METHOD

A PubMed search was performed, using search terms "eating disorder," "anorexia nervosa," and "bulimia nervosa" in combination with different words for each organ system and known medical manifestations of severe eating disorders, with high quality and relevant studies from the past 20 years cited.

DISCUSSION

Adults with eating disorders may present with extreme organ dysfunction and atypical signs and symptoms of typical medical problems. Timely diagnosis, risk awareness, appropriate treatment, and avoidance of harm are all vital. With judicious management and nutritional rehabilitation, most of these complications will significantly improve or resolve. ©

[Bulimia nervosa, a pathology with multiple complications]

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder associating binge eating with inappropriate compensatory methods. Patients suffer from multiple organic, psychological and social complications. Of these, the somatic consequences are numerous and of varying degrees of seriousness. Regular monitoring is therefore essential in order to identify them and treat them.