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Updated: May 21, 2026

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Salivary Glands for Sjogren's Syndrome: Diagnostic and Monitoring Insights
Published on: October 13, 2023
Primary Sjögren's disease and its complications presenting with progressive paralysis
Matthew Julian1, Trishna Chakravorty, Philip Dyer
1Critical Care Department, Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK. mattjulian@doctors.org.uk
Abstract:
A 24-year-old female presented with generalised weakness, lethargy and aches in legs. She was subsequently found to be markedly hypokalaemic and have a metabolic acidosis. A diagnosis of distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) was made. In addition to this failure to alkalinise her urine, she was unable to concentrate it and so a diagnosis of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus was reached. Further questioning revealed previous investigation of a connective tissue disorder thought to be primary Sjögren's syndrome. RTA is a recognised but rare complication of Sjögren's syndrome. Urinary alkalinisation using potassium bicarbonate was instituted; the patient responded well to treatment and is having outpatient follow-up.
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