Ultrasound of the salivary glands is a strong predictor of labial gland biopsy histopathology in patients with sicca symptoms

摘要

BackgroundThe international classification criteria for Sjogren's syndrome necessitate the presence of either extractable nuclear antibody or a characteristic focal inflammatory infiltrate in a minor salivary gland. Thus, patients who are extractable nuclear antibody-negative will need to have a labial salivary gland biopsy, which is an invasive procedure associated with morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of ultrasound imaging of the major salivary glands as a predictor of the histology to explore whether ultrasound can help in stratifying Sjogren's patients and reduce the need for biopsy.