This non-invasive technique uses an ultrasound to look for signs of inflammation in the structure of the major salivary glands.
The process consists of using the high-frequency sound waves of an ultrasound, the same machine used during pregnancy, to visualize the major salivary glands and assess for changes. These glands include the parotid glands (located over the angle of the jaw) and the submandibular glands (located under the mid-portion of the jawbone on each side).
As many as one-half to two-thirds of patients with Sjögren’s disease have characteristic changes in the structural features of their glands caused by inflammation. These changes can be successfully detected by ultrasonography and help secure the diagnosis of Sjögren’s disease. These structural changes also correlate with disease severity and can provide useful information about the expected course of the disease.
On occasion, patients with enlargement or an isolated growth of their glands will require a biopsy. This can be done with a special needle, using ultrasound to guide its placement in the gland.
