Confocal Microscopy Abnormalities Preceding Antibody Positivity and Manifestations of Sjogren's Syndrome

An asymptomatic 26-year-old woman underwent confocal microscopy as part of a control population for a research study. Images revealed reduced sub-basal corneal nerve density and multiple activated dendritic cells. Three years later, she presented with a self-limited cutaneous vasculitis in her lower extremities which prompted an evaluation for autoimmune diseases. Laboratory testing revealed positive antinuclear antibodies (1:320, thick granular pattern), and anti-SSA/SSB (SSA, 53.6 U/mL, moderately positive; SSB, 142.7 U/mL, strongly positive). Two weeks later, she presented with ocular pain and an ophthalmologic examination revealed ocular surface staining. An ocular ultrasound was consistent with posterior scleritis. Based on this picture, a diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome (SS) was made. SS is a chronic autoimmune disease that can present with symptoms that diminish the patient's quality of life. Confocal microscopy might be a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of disease.