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Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Salivary Glands for Sjogren's Syndrome: Diagnostic and Monitoring Insights
Published on: October 13, 2023
Primary Sjögren Syndrome with tumefactive central nervous system involvement
J Sanahuja1, S Ordoñez-Palau, R Begué
1Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova-IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain. jsanahuja@comll.cat
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|September 12, 2008
Summary
Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) can cause large, tumefactive brain lesions, not just small white matter changes. This case highlights a rare neurological complication of pSS, emphasizing the need for comprehensive diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting exocrine glands.
- Cerebral involvement in pSS typically manifests as discrete white matter lesions on MRI.
- Tumefactive lesions, larger than typical white matter changes, are an uncommon presentation.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old woman presented with recurrent neurological deficits.
- Brain Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging revealed a large, tumefactive brain lesion.
- Clinical features, positive anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies, abnormal Schirmer test, and salivary gland scintigraphy confirmed the diagnosis of pSS.
Findings:
- The patient's neurological deficits improved with oral prednisone treatment.
- This case demonstrates that large tumefactive brain lesions can be a complication of pSS.
- The findings expand the spectrum of neuroimaging findings in primary Sjögren syndrome.
Implications:
- Recognizing tumefactive lesions as a potential manifestation of pSS is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- This case underscores the importance of considering autoimmune conditions in the differential diagnosis of unexplained neurological deficits.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal treatment of CNS involvement in pSS is warranted.
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