Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS)

Common in general; not common to first present with arthralgias
  • 3% overall prevalence; 90% female
  • Primary SS = No other connective tissue disease
  • Secondary SS =  Another Rheum Dx as well
All patients have either chronic dry eyes or dry mouth
  • Can quantitate dry eyes by Shirmer Test / Rose Bengal Test
ANA elevated in around 75%
  • Arthralgias + ANA-Pos + Not SLE warrants Sjogren’s W/U
Diagnosis  —  No single test.  Supportive findings:
  • SSA (anti-Ro) and SSB (anti-La) Antibodies
  • Salivary gland biopsy (lower lip)

See posting Polyarthralgias.