Do parotid duct abnormalities occur in patients with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis?

Michael A. Sagatelian, John Fravel, Steven H. Gallo, Laszlo J.K. Makk, Stephen W. Looney, Richard A. Wright

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Several studies have suggested that ethanol affects the pancreas and parotid gland. We performed a prospective study to determine whether ductal lesions of ethanol-induced chronic pancreatitis occur in the parotid. Methods: Parotid sialograms were performed in 11 alcoholic patients who had endoscopic retrograde pancreatograms. Sialograms and pancreatograms were examined in all subjects for ductal abnormalities. Results: Seven of nine patients (77.8%) with ductal lesions of the pancreas had coexistent ductal abnormalities of the parotid gland (Kendall's tau = 0.578, p = 0.035). Conclusions: Chronic ethanol intake induces ductal alterations in the parotid gland similar to those seen in the pancreas. These results suggest a common histopathological effect of alcohol in the ductal system of the parotid gland and pancreas and raise the possibility that the parotid sialogram could be useful as an adjunct in the diagnosis of ethanol-induced chronic pancreatitis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)197-200
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume93
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 1998
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology

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