Tamotsu Kamishima MD, PRESENTER: Nothing to Disclose

Abstract: HTML Purpose: MR sialograpy of high field MR system has become an alternative imaging technique for the evaluation of parotitis in Sjogren's syndrome, however the diagnostic value of the low field MR system has not been fully evaluated. We compared the chemical shift imaging, MR sialography and ultrasonography (US) in patients with Sjogren's syndrome. Methods and Materials: We evaluated 30 patients (60 glands) with parotitis of Sjogren's syndrome in the retrospective manner. Diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome was made clinically depending on the American Rheumatism Association criteria. MR images were obtained in 0.3T system (HITACHI MRP-7000) with use of a coil for temporomandibular joint. MR parameters are TR/TE 9990/255 for 3D MR sialography, TR/TE 760/25 for in-phase, and TR/TE 760/11 msec for opposed phase. Chemical shift images were obtained in the dual echo technique. MR sialography was graded according to the grading system established for the conventional sialography. The signal decrease rate between in and opposed phase image, and standard deviation (S.D.) of the parotid parencymal signal in opposed phase images were measured on chemical shift imaging. The US parameter recorded (parenchymal homogeneity, echogenicity, high echoic band, round low echoic area, posterior glandular border) was scored according to a previously described scoring system. Saxon test was used to assess the salivary secretion function. Results: MR sialography, chemical shift images, and US was obtained in 40, 44, and 60 glands respectively. Failure rate was 5% (2 of 40) for MR sialography, 0% (0 of 60) for chemical shift imaging, and 0% (0 of 60) for US. MR sialography was graded as 0 in 17, 1 in 12, 2 in 4, 3 in 5, 4 in 0 glands. Mean signal decrease rate in in/opposed phase was 37.6%, and mean S.D. the parotid parencymal signal in the opposed phase image was 655.9. The salivary secretion function was related to imhomogeniety opposed phase and border irregularity but not to the MR sialography grading. MR sialography grading, imhomogeniety, and US grading were not related each other. Conclusion: Chemical shift MR imaging is better parameter to reflect the salivary secretion function with lower failure rate compared to MR sialography in the low field magnet. Inhomogeniety assessed in the low field magnet system may be useful parameter to add in the evaluation of the Sjogren parotitis.       Questions about this event email: tamotamo@radi.med.hokudai.ac.jp

Kamishima MD, T, Chemical Shift MR Images of Parotitis in Sjogren's Syndrome Utilizing Low Field MR System Comparison with MR Sialography, Ultrasonogram and Salivary Secretion Function.  Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3107709.html