Atrophic change of tongue papilla in 44 patients with Sjögren syndrome

Received 13 June 2008; received in revised form 10 February 2009; accepted 13 February 2009.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the atrophic change of tongue papilla in Sjögren syndrome (SjS) patients and the correlation with characteristic features of the disease.

Study design

Atrophic change of tongue papilla, investigated by a digital microscope, was classified from score 0 (normal) to score 6 (severe) and compared among 44 SjS patients, 20 xerostomia patients, and 20 healthy subjects. In SjS patients, correlation of the atrophic score of tongue papilla with characteristic changes in sialometry, sialography, lip biopsy, and serologic tests was also investigated.

Results

The atrophic score of tongue papilla was significantly higher in SjS patients and correlated with the decrease of salivary secretion, the stage on sialography, and the histologic grade of the minor salivary gland.

Conclusion

Atrophic change of tongue papilla is significant in SjS patients and is correlated with the characteristic features of the disease.

a Associate Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan

b Senior Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan

c Clinical Instructor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan

d Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan

e Professor and Chair, Department of General Medicine, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan

f Professor and Chair, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan

Reprint requests: Kazuhiko Yamamoto, DDS, PhD, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan

PII: S1079-2104(09)00107-3

doi:10.1016/j.tripleo.2009.02.018

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