Sjogren's syndrome: direct immunofluorescence in diagnosis

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune inflammatory exocrinopathy. In the classical clinical presentation, diagnosis is readily achieved but this is less easy in early disease or oligosymptomatic forms.

We have used direct immunofluorescence (d.i.f.), with IgG antibodies, comparing salivary gland biopsies from subjects with SS compared with control subjects.

Direct immunofluorescence, using antibodies anti-IgG and demonstrating positivity for all the examined champions of SS while it is negative for control biopsies.

Direct immunofluorescence, on salivary glands by biopsy, can be considered a valid additional aid to the diagnosis of subclinical SS.