Differentiating 131I Radiation Sialadenitis From Autoimmune (Sjögren Syndrome) Sialadenitis: Case Report

Radioactive iodine (131I) is used effectively for the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancers. Because it is actively secreted by the salivary glands, radiation damage to these glands can occur. Obstructive swellings after mealtime salivary stimulation are common occurrences. Dry mouth is not usually seen if low doses of 131I are used. A subjective complaint of xerostomia in a patient treated with 131I 75.8 mCi proved to be related to the simultaneous presence of Sjögren syndrome (SS). Serologic, histologic, scintigraphic, and salivary volume findings and the patient's subjective complaints served to establish the pre-existence of SS.