Diffusion-weighted MRI findings in Sjögren’s syndrome: a preliminary study

BackgroundParotid glands diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in Sjogren’s syndrome patients have provided conflicting results currently.PurposeTo determine if parotid gland DWI using a small region of interest (ROI) can provide diagnosis and assess therapeutic efficacy in Sjogren’s syndrome.Material and MethodsTwenty-three women with Sjogren’s syndrome, five with dry mouth who did not meet diagnostic criteria for Sjogren’s syndrome, and 11 healthy volunteers (controls) were evaluated with DWI. All participants received routine T1-weighted (T1W) imaging and T2-weighted (T2W) fat-suppressed imaging, and DWI. The SI ratios (SIRs) and ADC ratios (ADCRs) for parotid gland/spinal cord were then calculated. Approximately 8–10 round ROIs measuring approximately 5 mm2 were placed on each lobe of the parotid gland, and the signal intensity (SI) was measured while avoiding fat, ducts, and blood vessels. A ROI encompassing the entire lobe of the parotid gland was also used to measure SI.ResultsUsing 5 mm2 ROIs significa...