Lacrimal gland accumulation of ⁶⁷Ga-citrate in patients with Sjögren's syndrome

Abstract

The extent of ⁶⁷Ga accumulation in the two lacrimal glands in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) of Sjögren's syndrome was studied. Of the two main groups one consisted of 69 subjects without ophthalmic complaints (control group), the other consisted of 26 patients with KCS of Sjögren's syndrome. Of the 26 patients with KCS, 7 had been diagnosed as probable KCS (probable sub-group) and the other 19 had been diagnosed definite KCS (definite sub-group). About 3 mCi (111 MBq) ⁶⁷Ga-citrate was injected IV into each subject and this was followed by scintigraphy at 24, 48, and 72 h after the injection of ⁶⁷Ga. A positive finding in the lacrimal gland was noted in 64 of 69 subjects (92.7%) in the control group and in 7 of 7 patients (92.7%) in the control group and in 7 of 7 patients (100%) with probable KCS. Three of 19 patients with definite KCS (15.7%) showed positive findings under scintigraphy. When the scintigraphic finding in the lacrimal gland is not positive in patients with suspected KCS of Sjögren's syndrome, they can then be diagnosed with little risk as definite KCS cases. Shirmer's test was performed on subjects in the probable and definite groups. There was statistical significance between the positive and equivocal or negative scintigraphic finding and Schirmer's values. These results suggest a correlation between gallium accumulation in the lacrimal gland and the tear production.