J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2010 Oct;34(5):503-507.

Detection of Saliva Aspiration Using Salivagram in Bedridden Patients with Brain Lesion

• Kang IS
• Kwon JG
• Lee SU
• Lee ZI
• Park GY
• Park HW

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the aspiration of saliva itself in bedridden patients with brain lesion using the response of radionuclide salivagram, and its association with patient characteristics and clinical factors. METHOD: Thirty two patients (21 men and 11 women) in bedridden state with brain lesion were performed the radionuclide salivagram. (99m)Tc sulfur colloid (1.0 mCi in a drop of saline) was instilled into patients' tongue with supine position. The sequential images were obtained at first 5 minutes and 10 minutes interval for 1 hour, and evaluated the presence of saliva aspiration as the entrance of tracer into major airways or lung parenchyma. The characteristics of patients and the states of cooperation, drooling, tracheostomy, and method of feed were also assessed.
RESULTS
Seven out of 32 subjects exhibited positive response of saliva aspiration by radionuclide salivagram. Men, uncooperative, and anterior drooling was significantly associated with positive finding of salivagram (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
In bedridden patients with brain lesion, it seems that radionuclide salivagram may be one of methods for detection of the aspiration of saliva itself.

Keyword

Salivagram; Saliva aspiration; Brain lesion; Bedridden

MeSH Terms

Brain
Colloids
Humans
Lung
Male
Saliva
Sialorrhea
Sulfur
Supine Position
Tongue
Tracheostomy
Colloids
Sulfur