Evaluation of Salivary Glands of Snuff-users Using Ultrasonography

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary glands of the snuff users using ultrasound in terms of size, blood flow, echogenicity, echotexture and any other pathological changes. The data were collected by ultrasonic salivary gland examination of 27 adult sniffers (research group) and 26 adult non-users (comparison group). The tests were conducted in the ultrasound unit at the college of Medical Radiological sciences at Sudan University of Science And technology from August to December 2018. The study found that the average size of salivary glands of snuff users was greater than the average size of non-abusers. Blood supply and tissue characteristics were normal and the study found that no difference between the group of snuff users and non-users. The study concluded that ultrasound plays an important role in the assessment of salivary glands, and can be used - because of its availability and ease - as a periodic check to assess the salivary glands of snuff users and other types of tobacco.