[Immuno-histological findings on Sjögren's syndrome]

Six cases of SS, 12 cases of SS in association with other diseases (AR, LES, MCTD, SSP) and 14 cases of various diseases with no clinical signs of SS (AR, UCTD, LES, MCTD, PM, cutaneous PAN, Scheuermann's disease, ankylosing spondylitis) have been examined. Examination of the patients included general clinical, stomatological and ophthalmological examinations, slit lamp and Schirmer I test, labial biopsy direct immunofluorescence on labial biopsy, indirect immunofluorescence on labial biopsy of a healthy subject scialography and salivary scintiscan. Various seroimmunological tests were also performed--in the hope of identifying LE, ANA, anti-ENA and anti-dsDNA factors. The results of these clinical, immunological, bioptic and instrumental tests were studied with a view to clarifying the diagnostic and nosographic problems of the syndrome. The diagnostic importance of immunological and instrumental tests is emphasized. Labial biopsy in particular also makes it possible to quantify the glandular lesion to some extent as well as providing other histological data regarding any associated disease. Nosographically, it is suggested that SS be definitively included among the connective tissue diseases in recognition of its polymorphism and variety of clinical forms which cover a wide range from definite SS, whether in pure form or associated with other diseases, to "subclinical" SS in systemic diseases.