Frequency of complications and usefulness of the minor salivary gland biopsy

Abstract

Findings of specific antibodies and histopathology data are essential for the diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome (SS). Although the minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) is technically simple, it needs to be performed in a medical institution to avoid complications.

Objective: To determine the frequency of complications and the usefulness of this technique.

Materials and methods: Patients who underwent a minor salivary gland biopsy for a possible diagnosis of SS at Rivadavia Hospital between October 2007 and May 2010 where included. The patients were seen a week and a month after the procedure for follow up.

Results: Frequency of acute complications (n=186): 15 patients; 8.1%, 95% CI: 4.7-13.2 (Bleeding 7.5%, syncope 3.2%, hematoma 2.7%. No accidents occurred). Medium term complications (n=164): 16 patients: 9.75%, 95% CI: 5.9-15.6 (pain 7.32%, inflammation 3.66%, sensitivity disorders 3.05%, granuloma 1.22%,). No infections or suture dehiscence occurred. Microscopic results: 154 biopsy reports were received: glandular 90.9%, 95% CI: 85-95 (typical, sialadenitis, grade III and IV infiltration).

Conclusions: MSGB has very low frequency of medium term and acute complications and it has high usefulness.