Secondary Factor X Deficiency Associated with Sjögren's Syndrome: A Rare Case Report

Acquired factor X deficiency (AFXD) is considered a rare but clinically significant cause of coagulation disorders, predominantly associated with systemic AL amyloidosis. Autoimmune-mediated AFXD is very rare, and a clear, well-documented association with Sjögren's syndrome has not yet been reported.

A 60-year-old woman with hypertension presented with chest pain. Despite normal liver function and absence of monoclonal gammopathy, she was found to have significantly prolonged PT/INR and severe factor X deficiency (3%). During follow-up, she developed symptoms of dry eyes, and autoimmune serology was positive for ANA, anti-SSA, and anti-SSB, meeting the 2016 ACR/EULAR criteria for Sjögren's syndrome. After ruling out alternative causes, she was diagnosed with autoimmune-mediated AFXD. Despite the severe deficiency, she did not present with any significant bleeding symptoms. Prednisone treatment (1 mg/kg/day) led to partial biochemical improvement.

This report describes the first known association between Sjögren's syndrome and AFXD. Furthermore, the case highlights the importance of considering autoimmune etiologies in cases of unexplained coagulopathy and demonstrates the disconnect between laboratory abnormalities and bleeding phenotypes.