Parotid MR Sialography, Can it Help in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Related Sicca Syndrome?

Abstract

Background: The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) related sicca syndrome occurs in association with HCV infection in a range of 4-57%. Salivary gland chronic inflammation and B cell proliferation is triggered by HCV. MR sialography is a noninvasive method for salivary glands complex duct system combined with their parenchymal evaluation through conventional MR T2 images and source images. Aim of Study: To identify changes in parotid magnetic resonance sialography (MR Sialography) in HCV related sicca syndrome patients. Patients and Methods: Prospective study included 64 HCV related sicca syndrome patients (38 female, 26 male, mean age 44.6 ± 10.5 years). All patients had performed parotid MR sialography. Severity of the disease was correlated with presence or absence of vasculitis and HCV disease duration. Results: MR sialography changes were found in 25% of patients, (12/32 and 4/32 in patients with and without vasculitis, respectively). Among patients with vasculitis, those with abnormal MR sialography had longer disease duration along with more severe form of the disease. Conclusion: Amongst HCV patients with vasculitis and longer disease duration, abnormal changes are identified on MR sialography.