Ultrasonographic evaluation of submandibular and parotid salivary glands in smokers

In this study, the effects of cigarette smoking on the ultrasonographic features of the parotid and submandibular salivary glands were investigated. A total of 120 participants, divided into two groups as smokers and non-smokers, were evaluated. Ultrasonographic examinations included assessments of echogenicity, parenchymal structure, margin regularity, vascularity, volume, and shear wave elastography measurements. In the analysis of the obtained data, Independent Samples t-Test was used for continuous variables showing normal distribution, and Chi-Square test was used for categorical variables. As a result of statistical analysis, no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of echogenicity, while minimal and significant parenchymal heterogeneity was determined to be more common in smokers. In individuals who smoke, margin irregularity was significantly increased in the parotid and right submandibular glands, while a similar but non-significant trend was observed in the left submandibular gland. In the evaluation of vascularity patterns, an increase in peripheral vascularity and a decrease in combined central-peripheral vascularity were detected in the smoking group, along with a significantly higher rate of poor vascularity. The volumes of the parotid and submandibular glands were significantly greater in smokers compared to the control group, and the shear wave elastography values of the left parotid and left submandibular glands were also found to be significantly higher in smokers. These findings suggest that long-term cigarette smoking may lead to structural deterioration, increased stiffness, and vascular alterations in salivary glands, and support the utility of ultrasonography as an effective non-invasive tool for the evaluation of salivary gland changes. Key words: Parotid gland, Salivary glands, Shear Wave Elastography, Smoking, Submandibular gland, Ultrasonography