Summary
This study aimed to evaluate the construct validity of the OMERACT ultrasound (US) semiquantitative scoring system for morphological lesions in major salivary glands in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), comparing it with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and unstimulated whole salivary flow rates (U-WSFRs).
Nine sonographers applied the OMERACT 0-3 grayscale scoring system for parotid and submandibular glands in 11 patients with pSS who also underwent MRI. The agreement between ultrasound and MRI scores and the association between U-WSFRs and imaging structural lesions were assessed. A score ≥ 2 for both ultrasound and MRI was considered gland pathology.
The prevalence of US morphological lesions with a score ≥ 2 was 58% for parotid glands and 76% for submandibular glands, compared to 46% and 41% for MRI. There was moderate to strong agreement between OMERACT US and MRI scores for major salivary glands in patients with pSS. Similar agreement ratios were observed between higher OMERACT US scores and the presence of hyposalivation.
