The diagnostic utility of submandibular gland sonography in IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K18727
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57060:Surgical dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Ito Miho 九州大学, 歯学研究院, 共同研究員 (20778857)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: IgG4関連涙腺・唾液腺炎 / 顎下腺超音波検査 / 多施設前向き研究

Outline of Final Research Achievements

IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis (IgG4-DS) is characterized by elevated serum IgG4 levels and significant infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells along with fibrosis in the affected glands. Although diagnosis typically requires a tissue biopsy, it may lead to complications such as nerve palsy, sialocele, and wound infection. In this study, we focused on submandibular gland (SMG) sonography as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for IgG4-DS and conducted a multi-center prospective study to revise its diagnostic criteria. Considering the result of our research, SMG sonography is a useful tool for the diagnosis of IgG4-DS, especially when combined with serologic analysis, and could adapt to the diagnostic criteria of IgG4-DS. However, it is still necessary to verify the utility of SMG sonography with an increasing number of cases through a central review composed of several radiologists to eliminate inter-facility diagnostic bias.

Free Research Field

口腔外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により顎下腺超音波検査という簡便、非侵襲的、高感度、かつ再現性のある検査方法が確立できれば、歯科発信で診断基準が改定され、再燃しやすい IgG4-DS の予後判定も可能となり、今後も歯科医師が IgG4-DS の診療に積極的に参加することが可能となり、 さらには患者本人の QOL の向上が多いに期待できる。