[Primary biliary cirrhosis in patients with Sjögren's syndrome]

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is one of the most frequent hepatic diseases associated with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), its reported incidence ranging from 3% to 9%. There is much association between SS and PBC in the pathogenesis. In both diseases, autoimmunity seems to be directed toward the ductal epithelial cells. Epstein Barr Virus may contribute to PBC, as well as SS. PBC associated with SS tends to be asymptomatic and to be in an early stage in histologically. Antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) is the most sensitive indicator of PBC in primary SS. When SS patients have an elevated alkaline phosphatase level, it is necessary to examine AMA and to perform liver biopsy.