[Sjogren's syndrome: a new diagnostic approximation]

At presentation the history of a 51 years old woman with xerostomia and dry keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) with a development of ten months. Investigations revealed the presence in serum of antibodies against cytoplasmic antigens SS-A (Ac anti-Ro/SS-A), antinuclear antibodies (ANAS), and rheumatoid factor (RF). The test with Rose of Bengal was positive, and in the salivary gammagraphy made with pertecnate-99 m Tc it was observed a decreased of the captation and excretion of the designer for the salivary glands. The histopathology and immunohistochemical study of the minor salivary glands showed the presence of a focal lymphocytic sialadenitis (fls) and a predominance of lymphocytes CD4+. It was diagnosed a primary Sjögren a Syndrome (SSP) and the patient was treated with salivary substitutes and artificial tears. We analyse the current diagnostic criteria of the group of studies of the European Community for the SS. We emphasize the importance of the histologics and immunohistochemical study that with the rest of the complementary test will let us to distinguish not only the different forms of presentation of the illness, but also those of all the patients with pathologies which are very prevalent in our environment nowadays, such as the infections by virus C of the hepatitis (VCH) and the human immunodeficiency (VIH).