Evaluation of lacrimal gland vascularization using superb microvascular imaging: A potential diagnostic tool in Sjögren's syndrome.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the superb microvascular imaging (SMI) findings of the lacrimal glands for the sonographic diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

Methods: Twenty-one patients with pSS and 20 healthy groups were evaluated. Dry eye symptoms and their effects on vision-related functions were evaluated with McMonnies and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires. Lacrimal glands were evaluated by power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS), colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS), and SMI.

Results: Dry eye symptoms, as determined by McMonnies and OSDI, were significantly more severe in patients with pSS than in the control group (P = .001 and P = .021, respectively). Lacrimal gland vascular activity rates and hypoechoic areas were significantly higher in pSS patients compared to the control group (P < .05). The detection rates of the degree of vascularity in the lacrimal glands of patients with pSS were higher with SMI compared to CDUS and PDUS. In addition, SMI positively correlated with CDUS, PDUS, OSDI, and McMonnies.

Conclusions: Evaluation of the lacrimal gland by the SMI was found to be excellent in predicting the likelihood of individuals having pSS compared to CDUS and PDUS. This technique may serve as a reliable and noninvasive adjunctive tool for assessing the degree of lacrimal vascularity in pSS.