Peculiar histopathological features in minor salivary gland in lupus erythematosus

Salivary glands (SGs) can be affected by lupus erythematosus (LE). Many authors debate whether this condition is a secondary manifestation of Sjögren syndrome (SS) or a glandular aspect of LE. The present study investigated the histopathological aspects of biopsied minor salivary glands from LE patients to analyze their peculiar features that lead to xerostomia. Twenty-three minor labial salivary gland (MLSG) cases were included in the study; the diagnosis of LE was rendered according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Twenty-three healthy MLSGs were used as a control, for comparison. Regarding lupus MLSG, the presence of hyalinization and thickening of ductal basement membrane, perivascular inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial spongiosis with no ductal lymphocytic aggression, vacuolar degeneration of the ductal cells and acinar serous metaplasia were statistically significant compared to the control group. In the LE group, there was a statistically significant correlation between acinar atrophy and acinar fibrosis; acinar atrophy and ductal ectasia; acinar fibrosis and ductal ectasia; ductal atrophy and ductal spongiosis with no lymphocytic focus, interstitial inflammatory infiltrate intensity and vasculitis as well as vascular thrombi and vasculitis. There were no morphological differences between the three subtypes of lupus analyzed. Minor salivary glands from patients diagnosed with LE present peculiar histopathological changes and may be a multisystemic presentation.