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Pleuropulmonary abnormalities in primary Sjögren's syndrome
P Gardiner1, C Ward, A Allison
1Chest Unit, Newcastle General Hospital, UK.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Pulmonary disease is common in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Investigations revealed interstitial fibrosis, lymphocytic infiltration, and pleural thickening in patients experiencing dyspnea.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting exocrine glands.
- Pulmonary manifestations in primary SS are increasingly recognized but require further characterization.
Observation:
- Sixteen patients with primary SS presenting with dyspnea underwent comprehensive pulmonary investigations.
- Diagnostic methods included high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the thorax, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and transbronchial biopsy.
Findings:
- Interstitial fibrosis was identified in 6 out of 16 patients.
- Peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltration was observed in 5 patients.
- Pleural thickening was noted in 3 patients.
Implications:
- Significant pulmonary disease is a frequent complication of primary Sjögren's syndrome.
- These findings underscore the importance of pulmonary evaluation in primary SS patients with respiratory symptoms.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis and long-term outcomes of pulmonary involvement in primary SS.