18F-FDG PET/CT in multisystem Sjögren syndrome

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune condition primarily targeting exocrine glands, notably lacrimal and salivary glands.
• Extraglandular manifestations in SS can affect organs such as the skin, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system, complicating diagnosis and management.
• Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (F-FDG PET/CT) is a valuable imaging modality for evaluating disease activity and detecting secondary malignancies like lymphoma in SS patients.

Observation:

• This report details the case of a 61-year-old female diagnosed with Sjögren syndrome.
• The patient underwent F-FDG PET/CT imaging as part of her diagnostic workup.
• The imaging revealed evidence of involvement across multiple organ systems.

Findings:

• F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated widespread disease activity in extraglandular sites in this SS patient.
• The imaging findings were crucial in characterizing the extent of SS involvement beyond the typical glandular sites.
• The case highlights the utility of F-FDG PET/CT in identifying and assessing extraglandular disease in Sjögren syndrome.

Implications:

• F-FDG PET/CT can provide a comprehensive assessment of SS, including extraglandular involvement.
• This imaging technique may aid in the early detection and management of systemic complications associated with Sjögren syndrome.
• The findings underscore the importance of considering F-FDG PET/CT for staging and monitoring patients with complex SS presentations.