Comparison of stimulated and unstimulated salivary gland parenchyma using fractal analysis of ultrasonographic images.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the fractal analysis data of ultrasonography (USG) images of the submandibular and parotid glands before and after parenchymal stimulation to assess for any changes.

METHODS

The study was conducted by taking 240 USG images of bilateral parotid and submandibular glands of 30 patients before and after stimulation. Patients chewed gum for stimulating their salivary glands. Fractal analysis was performed on the USG images, and the data obtained were statistically compared.

RESULTS

The fractal analysis value of the USG images of the parotid gland was 1.45, both before and after stimulation, indicating no statistically significant difference (p = 0.866). In the submandibular gland, this value was the same before and after stimulation (fractal analysis = 1.42), showing no statistically significant difference (p = 0.748). Parotid and submandibular glands were compared. USG fractal analysis values before and after stimulation and the overall values were statistically significantly different between the different salivary glands (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to fractal analysis, there was no change in the parenchyma of the submandibular and parotid glands despite the stimulation. Submandibular and parotid glands could be distinguished by fractal analysis.