1. ¹BMT Unit, Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center (Hemocentro), State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
2. ²Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
3. ³Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Head & Neck/Oral Oncology Program, Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA

Correspondence: Dr CA De Souza, HEMOCENTRO, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, State University of Campinas, PO Box 6198, Campinas-SP 13081-970, Brazil. E-mail: carmino@unicamp.br

Received 4 July 2005; Revised 22 February 2006; Accepted 22 February 2006; Published online 27 March 2006.

Abstract

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 ^99mTc-pertechenate and ⁶⁷Ga 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 ^99mTc-pertechenate results did not demonstrate any functional differences between pre- versus post transplant periods. Results of the ⁶⁷Ga scan revealed inflammatory infiltration following HPCT, primarily in submandibular glands, suggest a persistent involvement of major salivary glands up to Day +100 after HPCT.