Central nervous system involvement in Sjogren's syndrome

Diversity of central nervous system manifestations in Sjogren's Disease: a case-based review

Sjogren's disease (SjD) is a chronic and disabling autoimmune disease, predominantly characterized by dryness of the mouth and eyes, resulting from lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands. While these are the most prominent symptoms, extra-glandular manifestations are also common. Studies suggest that up to 70% of SjD patients experience neurological symptoms, which interestingly often precede the hallmark dryness. Although every structure of the nervous system can be affected, disorders of peripheral nervous system (PNS) are more common than central nervous system (CNS) involvement. The CNS manifestations can range from subtle to severe, with some patients experiencing a rapid progression of symptoms. The literature documents cases where patients initially diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, neurosarcoidosis, temporary hemiplegia, neuromyelitis optica, or epilepsy were ultimately diagnosed as having SjD. Here, we present five SjD patient cases, each with a different manifestation of CNS involvement, along with an overview of the current understanding of CNS disorders in the course of the disease. In four cases, the neurological manifestations appeared before the onset of sicca symptoms. In one patient, diagnosis was delayed by 15 years due to an atypical presentation. After receiving immunosuppression, all patients experienced notable alleviation of their symptoms.

Neurological and Psychiatric Clinical Manifestations of Sjögren Syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Sjögren Syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disorder that presents mainly with sicca symptoms, but frequently affects other body systems which can lead to a wide variety of manifestations. Understanding the neurological and psychiatric manifestations of Sjögren Syndrome can help with an earlier diagnosis of this disease and leads to better clinical outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

We provide an updated overview of the central neurological manifestations, peripheral neurological manifestations and psychiatric manifestations and their diagnosis when associated with primary Sjögren Syndrome. The epidemiology and clinical features of the neurological and psychiatric manifestations are derived from different cohort studies and review articles that were selected from PubMed searches conducted between January 2024 and March 2024. The absence of diagnostic criteria and the scarcity of large, robust studies makes the recognition of the neurological and psychiatric manifestations of Sjögren Syndrome more difficult. Maintaining a high index of suspicion in clinical practice and a close collaboration between the Neurologist and the Rheumatologist will facilitate the diagnosis and management of these patients.

Exploring the Psychiatric Manifestations of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Background

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is recognized for its autoimmune origin. Its hallmark symptoms, dry eyes and mouth, result from glandular inflammation. Prior literature indicates that pSS not only affects the peripheral system but also involves the central nervous system (CNS), giving rise to various neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, there is limited published research on the psychiatric comorbidities in individuals with pSS.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar for this narrative review. The search spanned from inception until August 2023. Its aim was to locate studies focusing on the psychiatric manifestations of pSS and the potential underlying mechanisms.

Results

The most commonly reported psychiatric complications among these individuals are depression and cognitive dysfunction. Other psychiatric manifestations that have been reported in pSS individuals include anxiety, sleep disorders, psychosis, catatonia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Conclusion

In conclusion, patients with pSS often display multiple psychiatric symptoms. These symptoms can significantly impair functioning and reduce quality of life. Hence, prompt diagnosis and management are crucial.

Imaging of Vasculitis Associated with Systemic Disease

Vasculitides are characterized by inflammation of the vessel wall, with their categorization relying on clinical and paraclinical manifestations, vessel type, size, distribution, histological attributes, and associated conditions. This review delves into the salient neuroimaging hallmarks of central nervous system vasculitis associated with the most prevalent systemic diseases and highlightings potential pitfalls and diagnostic confounders.

Imaging of Childhood Cerebral Vasculitis

Childhood cerebral vasculitis is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the brain of children and is rare but life-threatening. Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. This article describes the classification, diagnostic algorithm, and various imaging modalities used in the evaluation of childhood cerebral vasculitis and the imaging findings associated with primary and secondary vasculitis. Understanding the imaging features of this condition can assist in early diagnosis, effective treatment, and improve outcomes.

Neurologic involvement in seronegative primary Sjögren's syndrome with positive minor salivary gland biopsy: a single-center experience

Objective

To assess the demographics, neurologic manifestations, comorbidities, and treatment of patients with seronegative primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

Patients and methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review on patients with seronegative pSS evaluated by a neurologist at the University of Utah Health between January 2010 and October 2018. The diagnosis was based on characteristic symptoms, positive minor salivary gland biopsy according to the American-European Consensus Group 2002 criteria, and seronegative antibody status.

Results

Of 45 patients who met the study criteria, 42 (93.3%) were Caucasian, and 38 (84.4%) were female. The patients' mean age at diagnosis was 47.8 ± 12.6 (range 13-71) years. Paresthesia, numbness and dizziness, and headache were noted in 40 (88.9%), 39 (86.7%), and 36 patients (80.0%), respectively. Thirty-four patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging. Of these, 18 (52.9%) showed scattered nonspecific periventricular and subcortical cerebral white matter T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense foci. Twenty-nine patients (64.4%) presented to the neurology clinic prior to pSS diagnosis, and the median delay in diagnosis from the first neurology clinic visit was 5 (interquartile ranges 2.0-20.5) months. Migraine and depression were the most common comorbidities in 31 patients (68.9%). Thirty-six patients received at least one immunotherapy, and 39 were on at least one medication for neuropathic pain.

Conclusion

Patients often display various nonspecific neurological symptoms. Clinicians should express a high degree of skepticism regarding seronegative pSS and consider minor salivary gland biopsy to avoid delaying diagnosis, as undertreatment can affect patients' quality of life.

Cerebral venous thrombosis in patients with Sjögren's syndrome: A case report and literature review

Although cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is known to be induced by autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome, CVT caused by Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is scarcely reported in the medical literature. Since the first report of SS-induced CVT in 1994, only five cases have been reported, and the clinicopathological features of the disease are not well documented. We herein present a case report of a 41-year-old woman who was diagnosed with SS-induced CVT and perform a literature review of six cases of SS-induced CVT with a discussion of the pathogenesis, features of clinic symptoms, treatment, and prognosis of SS-associated CVT. We aim to improve the understanding of SS-induced CVT among clinicians and reduce the incidence of missed clinical diagnoses.

Childhood Cerebral Vasculitis : A Multidisciplinary Approach

Cerebral vasculitis is increasingly recognized as a common cause of pediatric arterial stroke. It can present with focal neurological deficits, psychiatric manifestations, seizures, and encephalopathy. The etiopathogenesis of childhood cerebral vasculitis (CCV) is multifactorial, making an inclusive classification challenging. In this review, we describe the common and uncommon CCV with a comprehensive discussion of etiopathogenesis, the role of various imaging modalities, and advanced techniques in diagnosing CCV. We also highlight the implications of relevant clinical, laboratory, and genetic findings to reach the final diagnosis. Based on the clinicoradiological findings, a stepwise diagnostic approach is proposed to facilitate CCV diagnosis and rule out potential mimics. Identification of key clinical manifestations, pertinent blood and cerebrospinal fluid results, and evaluation of central nervous system vessels for common and disease-specific findings will be emphasized. We discuss the role of magnetic resonance imaging, MR angiography, and vessel wall imaging as the imaging investigation of choice, and reservation of catheter angiography as a problem-solving tool. We emphasize the utility of brain and leptomeningeal biopsy for diagnosis and exclusion of imitators and masqueraders.

Atypical posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with Sjögren'‍s syndrome: a case report

Sjögren'‍s syndrome (SJS) is a common autoimmune disease. Generally, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is often concomitant with autoimmune disease; however, PRES rarely complicates SJS. Thus, the detailed clinical course of cases with SJS and PRES remains unknown. We present the case of a 71-year-old female patient with primary SJS, whose magnetic resonance (MR) images showed bilateral vasogenic edema in the basal ganglia, brainstem, and cerebellum. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination revealed increased IgG index and higher interleukin-6 and anti-SSA-autoantibody levels. Management of her blood pressure combined with corticosteroid therapy improved her neurological symptoms, including abnormal CSF and MR imaging findings.

Clinical features and high-risk indicators of central nervous system involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome

BACKGROUND

Evidence for central nervous system involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients is controversial and extremely limited. We aimed to describe the clinical profiles and high-risk indicators of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement (pSS-CNS).

METHODS

A total of 412 participants with pSS from a hospital in China from January 2012 to December 2019 were enrolled in the retrospective study. 42 pSS-CNS patients were compared with 370 pSS patients without CNS involvement. The clinical features, laboratory examinations, imaging characteristics, and treatment of the pSS-CNS cases were systematically analyzed. Potential risk factors related to pSS-CNS patients were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of central nervous system involvement in the studied pSS patients was 10.2% (42/412), with 31.3% (14/42) of pSS patients having neurological manifestations as the initial symptom. The manifestations of hemiparesis (35.7%, 15/42), paraparesis (28.6%, 12/42), dysphonia (31.0%, 13/42), blurred vision (21.4%, 9/42), and dysfunctional proprioception (23.8%, 10/42) were more common in the pSS-CNS patients. Cerebral infarction (57.1%, 24/42), demyelination (31.0%, 13/42), myelitis (23.8%, 11/42), and angiostenosis (21.4%, 9/42) were most often found on MRI or CT scan imaging in the pSS-CNS patients. Intrathecal IgG level and total protein of cerebrospinal fluid were increased in 50% (8/16) of the pSS-CNS group. In comparison with patients without CNS involvement, the pSS-CNS patients were found to also have kidney and lung involvement, hematologic abnormalities, positive ANA and anti-SSA antibody tests, and reduced complement 3 (C3) and complement 4 (C4) levels (all p < 0.05). The prevalence of lung involvement, immune thrombocytopenia, and high-titer ANA (1:1000) were significantly higher in pSS-CNS disease activity compared to those in the moderately active group. Multivariate analysis identified lung involvement, anti-SSA positivity, and low C3 levels as prognostic factors for pSS-CNS. After high-dose glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive therapy, 60.5% (26/38) of pSS-CNS patients improved, 36.8% (14/38) were unresponsive to treatment, and 2.6% (1/38) died.

CONCLUSION

Clinical features are diverse in pSS-CNS patients, and the morbidity rate is low. CNS involvement was the initial presentation in state percentage here pSS patients. Pulmonary involvement, a positive anti-SSA antibody test, and reduced C3 levels are potential risk factors for CNS involvement in pSS. Treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive therapy appeared effective in 60% of pSS-CNS patients. Key Points • The CNS manifestations of pSS are diverse, and CNS imaging and CSF analysis are important for the diagnosis. • Pulmonary involvement, positive anti-SSA, and reduced C3 levels are potential risk factors of pSS-CNS. • About 60% of pSS-CNS patients were responsive to high-dose glucocorticoid administration and immunosuppressive therapy.

Association of autoimmune diseases with Alzheimer's disease: A mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease may have an autoimmune component, but the association is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this Mendelian randomization (MR) study was to evaluate the association of liability to autoimmune diseases with Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

A systematic search was done using PubMed to identify autoimmune diseases that have been suggested as associated with Alzheimer's disease. Genetic predictors of these autoimmune diseases were obtained from the largest and most recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Genetic associations with clinically-diagnosed Alzheimer's disease were obtained from the International Genomics of Alzheimer's Project GWAS (21982 cases; 41944 controls); and with parental and sibling history of Alzheimer's disease from the UK Biobank GWAS (27696 maternal, 14338 paternal and 2171 sibling cases). MR estimates were obtained using inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger and weighted median. To address possible selection bias due to inevitably recruiting only survivors, the analysis was repeated in younger people, i.e., UK Biobank siblings and adjusting for competing risk of Alzheimer's disease.

RESULTS

Of the 7 autoimmune diseases considered, liability to psoriasis and sarcoidosis were not associated with Alzheimer's disease. Some evidence was found for liability to multiple sclerosis being associated with higher risk and liability to Sjogren's syndrome with lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. Associations found for liability to giant cell arteritis, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis were inconsistent in sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Liability to multiple sclerosis and Sjogren's syndrome could be associated with Alzheimer's disease. The underlying mechanisms, such as the role of myelin and neuroinflammation, should be further investigated.

Altered white matter structural connectivity in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a link-based analysis

PURPOSE

Cognitive impairment has been revealed in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). However, the underlying white matter structural connectivity (SC) changes have not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the altered white matter brain network in patients with pSS using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

METHODS

Forty-one pSS patients and sixty matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent neuropsychological tests and the subsequent MRI examinations. The clinical data were gathered from the medical record. The structural brain network was established using DTI, and a link-based comparison was performed between patients with pSS and HCs (false discovery rate correction, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean fractional anisotropy (FA) of the altered SCs was correlated with the neuropsychological tests and clinical data in patients with pSS (Bonferroni correction, P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Compared with HCs, patients with pSS mainly exhibited decreased SC in the frontal and parietal lobes and some parts of the temporal and occipital lobes. In addition, increased SC was found between the right caudate nucleus and right median cingulate/paracingulate gyri. Specifically, the reduced SC between the left middle temporal gyrus and left middle occipital gyrus was negatively correlated with white matter high signal intensity (WMH).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with pSS showed diffusely decreased SC mainly in the frontoparietal network and exhibited a negative correlation between the reduced SC and WMH. SC represents a potential biomarker for preclinical brain impairment in patients with pSS.

Rare Case of Central Pontine Myelinolysis: Etiological Dilemma

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in Sjogren's syndrome (SS) has a broad spectrum of presentations. We present a 33-year-old with sudden onset, rapidly progressive quadriplegia, severe dysarthria, bilateral facial palsy, bulbar palsy, and hypernatremia. The MRI of the brain revealed hyperintensity in the central pons diffusion-weighted imaging, T2-weighted imaging, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) without abnormal contrast enhancement, consistent with central pontine myelinolysis. However, there was no antecedent history of hyponatremia with rapid correction. The patient responded excellently to sodium correction and pulse methylprednisolone therapy and was erroneously diagnosed as idiopathic hypernatremic osmotic demyelination. One year later, she presented with vague constitutional symptoms, renal tubular acidosis type-1 (distal), hypokalemia with associated myopathy. Subsequent testing for anti-Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A (SSA)/Ro autoantibodies and a biopsy of the minor salivary gland established the diagnosis of primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS). Remission was achieved with oral prednisolone after her discharge. Neurological signs can be the initial presentation that precedes the classical systemic manifestations of multisystem autoimmune disorders like pSS. In the event of osmotic demyelination, when antecedent hyponatremia with rapid correction is not there, we suggest evaluating for possible autoimmune etiology.

Different cerebral functional segregation in Sjogren's syndrome with or without systemic lupus erythematosus revealed by amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation

BACKGROUND

Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SjS-SLE) was considered a standalone but often-overlooked entity.

PURPOSE

To assess altered spontaneous brain activity in SjS-SLE and SjS using amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixteen patients with SjS-SLE, 17 patients with SjS, and 17 matched controls underwent neuropsychological tests and subsequent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) examinations. The ALFF value was calculated based on blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI. Statistical parametric mapping was utilized to analyze between-group differences and multiple comparison was corrected with Analysis of Functional NeuroImages 3dClustSim. Then, the ALFFs of brain regions with significant differences among the three groups were correlated to corresponding clinical and neuropsychological variables by Pearson correlation.

RESULTS

ALFF differences in the bilateral precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), right parahippocampal gyrus/caudate/insula, and left insula were found among the three groups. Both SjS-SLE and SjS displayed decreased ALFF in the right parahippocampal gyrus, right insula, and left insula than HC. Moreover, SjS-SLE showed wider decreased ALFF in the bilateral precuneus and right caudate, while the SjS group exhibited increased ALFF in the bilateral PCC. Additionally, patients with SjS-SLE exhibited lower ALFF values in the bilateral PCC and precuneus than SjS. Moreover, ALFF values in the right parahippocampal gyrus and PCC were negatively correlated to fatigue score and disease duration, respectively, in SjS-SLE.

CONCLUSION

SjS-SLE and SjS exhibited common and different alteration of cerebral functional segregation revealed by AlFF analysis. This result appeared to indicate that SjS-SLE might be different from SjS with a neuroimaging standpoint.

Neuroimaging findings in rheumatologic disorders

Patients with rheumatological diseases may present with neurological manifestations of peripheral and/or central nervous system (CNS). Symptoms may be related to underlying rheumatological disease or CNS effects of immune-modulating drugs. Early diagnosis and therapy may help prevent serious complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), given its excellent soft tissue details, is the preferred imaging modality when evaluating patients with rheumatological disease and suspected CNS involvement. We present a review of the neuroimaging manifestations of various rheumatic diseases with emphasis on the imaging findings on MRI.

Anti-Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A autoantibodies (Anti-SSA antibody) and meningoencephalitis: Sjögren's syndrome waiting to be unveiled? A case series and review of literature

Aseptic meningoencephalitis (AME) constitutes a variable proportion of meningoencephalitis. Patients with AME are not routinely evaluated for autoimmune disorders. Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a prevalent, but under suspected systemic autoimmune disease characterised by exocrinopathy, though sicca symptoms may not be the dominant or presenting feature. This study was undertaken to enumerate the clinical, radiological and laboratory features of meningoencephalitis related to pSS among the total cohort of meningoencephalitis admitted in our hospital. Retrospective patient records were screened for diagnosis of meningoencephalitis from April 2016 to March 2020. Those patients with anti-SSA positivity and clinical diagnosis of pSS were included. We have reviewed all cases of Sjögren's syndrome with meningoencephalitis available in literature. Four patients with meningoencephalitis with pSS were identified. Their clinical presentations, investigations, and good response to steroids have been described with special emphasis on evolving clinical features. In all patients, sicca features were absent. Anti-SSA was positive in all. The diagnosis of pSS was considered after ruling out all infectious and other autoimmune aetiologies. Two had extra-neurological organ manifestations and required addition of second line immunosuppressive agents for optimum disease control. Consistent with this case series, absent sicca symptoms have been described in pSS patients presenting with meningoencephalitis in literature. This case series is of special interest as it describes the initial presentation of pSS as meningoencephalitis with sicca features in absentia, thereby highlighting the need for a high index of suspicion and the need for workup for pSS in AME.

Neuro-Sjögren: Uncommon or underestimated problem?

OBJECTIVES

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with an autoimmune background with possible complications from peripheral (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and to describe the phenotype of peripheral neuropathies in patients with SS.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We studied fifty patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome for peripheral nervous system involvement. All patients underwent neurological and rheumatological examination followed by nerve conduction studies (NCS) of nine peripheral nerves.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients (72%) fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of neuropathy. Carpal tunnel syndrome (54%) and axonal sensorimotor neuropathy (22%) were the most common. Neurological symptoms preceded the diagnosis of SS in eight patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral neuropathies are frequent in SS patients. Neurologists should be aware of possible autoimmune causes of neuropathies because clinical manifestations of neuropathy may precede the development of other symptoms of the autoimmune disease.

Clinical, Radiological, and Laboratory Features of Spinal Cord Involvement in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

Objective: To identify radiological and laboratory hallmarks in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) presenting with spinal cord involvement. Methods: Clinical and laboratory routine parameters were analyzed in a retrospective multicenter case series of four patients who developed myelitis associated with pSS. Serological and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measurements of pSS associated anti-SSA(Ro)-antibodies were initiated, and CSF neurofilament light chain (NFL) levels were assessed. NFL values were compared with results from 15 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Radiological assessment was performed using multi-sequence spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Three of the four patients initially developed neurological signs suggestive of myelitis and were subsequently diagnosed with pSS. All patients presented a longitudinal spinal T2-hyperintense lesion in the cervical spinal cord, whereas only two patients showed pleocytosis and oligoclonal bands in the CSF. Median (range) CSF-NFL levels were significantly elevated in patients compared to controls (6672 pg/mL (621–50,000) vs. 585 pg/mL (357–729), p = 0.009). One patient showed sustained, highly increased NFL levels (50,000 pg/mL) in the initial assessment when radiological signs of axonal injury were still absent. Anti-SSA(Ro)-antibodies were found in the serum of three patients, while two patients additionally presented intrathecal anti-SSA(Ro)-antibody production. Elevated CSF-NFL levels and intrathecal synthesis of anti-SSA(Ro)-antibodies were associated with a relapsing and treatment-resistant disease course. Conclusion: Inflammatory spinal cord lesions associated with pSS are a rare but serious disease leading to severe disability. NFL and anti-SSA(Ro)-antibodies in CSF might serve as prognostic biomarkers and should be routinely assessed in patients with pSS.

Altered hippocampal functional connectivity in primary Sjögren syndrome: a resting-state fMRI study

Structural and metabolic abnormalities in the hippocampus have been associated with the pathophysiological mechanism of central nervous system involvement in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS). Nevertheless, how hippocampal function is altered in pSS remains unknown. The purpose of our study is to investigate the alterations in hippocampal functional connectivity (FC) in pSS by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Thirty-eight patients with pSS and 38 age- and education level-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent magnetic resonance imaging examination. Prior to each MRI examination, neuropsychological tests were performed. Left and right hippocampal FCs were analyzed by using seed-based whole-brain correlation and compared between pSS and HCs. Spearman correlation analysis was performed between the z-value of hippocampal FC in brain regions with significant difference between the two groups and neuropsychological tests/clinical data in pSS. Compared with the controls, the patients with pSS showed decreased hippocampal FC between the left hippocampus and the right inferior occipital gray (IOG)/inferior temporal gray (ITG), as well as between the right hippocampus and right IOG/middle occipital gray (MOG), left MOG, and left middle temporal gray. In addition, increased hippocampal FCs were detected between the left hippocampus and left putamen, as well as between the right hippocampus and right cerebellum posterior lobe. Moreover, the visual reproduction score positively correlated with the FC between right hippocampus and right IOG/MOG. The white matter hyperintensity score negatively correlated with the FC between left hippocampus and right IOG/ITG. In conclusion, patients with pSS suffered decreased hippocampal FC mainly sited in the occipital and temporal cortex with right hippocampal laterality. Altered hippocampal FC might be a potential biomarker in detecting brain function changes and guiding neuroprotection in pSS.

Adolescent Sjogren's syndrome presenting as psychosis: a case series

BACKGROUND

Neurological involvement has been reported in up to 80% of adults with Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) with psychiatric abnormalities including anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction being common. Psychosis due to pSS has been reported in adult patients but has never been previously reported in the adolescent/pediatric literature. Here we describe for the first time four cases of adolescent Sjogren's syndrome that presented with psychotic symptoms. Rituximab treatment was followed by improvement of psychiatric symptoms in all patients.

CASE PRESENTATION

1: 16 year old female without significant past medical history presented to the emergency department with 4 days of abnormal behavior, tremors, insomnia, polyphagia, polyuria, and suicidal ideation. 2: 16 year old female with a 4 year history of severe anxiety, OCD, and tic disorder treated with fluoxetine with partial benefit presented with an abrupt and severe worsening of anxiety, OCD and new auditory hallucinations. 3: 19 year old female without significant past medical history presented with a 3 day history of progressively altered behavior, incoherent speech, insomnia, headache, and tangential thoughts. 4: 17 year old female without significant past medical history presented with new onset suicidal ideation, paranoia, confusion, and emotional lability.

CONCLUSION

Psychosis is more common in autoimmune disease than previously known. To our knowledge, the four teenage women described above are the first reported patients with adolescent pSS manifesting as psychosis. pSS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of young patients with new psychiatric disorders, even in the absence of sicca symptoms. Psychiatric symptoms improved with rituximab infusions in all 4 of our patients, which suggests rituximab may be an effective treatment option that should be considered early after the diagnosis of pSS-associated psychiatric disturbance.

Neurological Involvement as the Initial Manifestation in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome - A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterised by exocrinopathy mainly involving the salivary and lacrimal glands. In addition, it is a multisystemic condition (i.e., affecting multiple organs and systems). Neurological involvement has been reported in ~20% of cases, with peripheral manifestations being the most frequent.

METHODS

We analysed four cases in which neurological manifestations were the first symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome.

RESULTS

In all four cases, neurological symptoms preceded sicca symptoms. In addition, immunosuppressive treatment with steroids and, in some cases, cyclophosphamide showed improvement.

CONCLUSION

Neurological involvement in Sjögren's syndrome is common and often occurs as the first clinical manifestation. Since evidence is limited, more studies are required in order to determine appropriate diagnostic methods and treatments for each manifestation of Sjögren's syndrome.

Montreal cognitive assessment in primary sjogrens syndrome. A brief screening tool

OBJECTIVE

To use the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test to assess the subclinical cognitive impairment in patients with Primary Sjogren`s Syndrome (PSS) and assess the correlation of MoCA results with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in these patients.

METHODS

The MoCA test was prospectively administered to 32 consecutive patients (31 females, 1 male) diagnosed with PSS and 30 healthy controls (29 females, 1 male) at Antalya Education and Research Hospital between June 2014 and October 2015. Twenty PSS patients underwent a brain MRI (T1, T2, and T2- FLAIR-weighted sequences).

RESULTS

The mean age was 45.84 (range 24-63) in the PSS group, and the mean duration of disease was 3.5 years (4 months - 18 years). There were 22 patients (68.80%) with 5-8 years of education and 10 patients (31.30%) with more than 8 years of education. The mean age was 42.8 (28-64) in the control group. There were 20 controls (66.70%) with 5-8 years of education and 10 controls (33.3%) with more than 8 years of education. The delayed recall rate of the patient group with 5-8 years of education was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the recall rate with multiple choice cues for the same patient group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p less than 0.05). There was no correlation between the number of lesions and total MoCA score or subgroups.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that the MoCA test is a single-page, easy-to-administer test, can be used to assess cognition in patients with PSS especially in large groups.

Resting-state fMRI in primary Sjögren syndrome

Background The involvement of the central nervous system in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) remains controversial. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a relatively new method that can be applied to investigate the heterogeneity of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in pSS patients through regional homogeneity (ReHo) analysis. Purpose To collect data from pSS patients and healthy controls, and use ReHo analysis to elucidate the neurobiological mechanism of CNS involvement in pSS. Material and Methods Fourteen clinically diagnosed pSS patients and 14 age- and gender-matched healthy controls underwent resting-state fMRI. The data were processed by ReHo analysis. The double sample t-test was used to compare ReHo data between groups. Results Compared to controls, pSS patients had significantly increased ReHo values in the right cerebrum, left limbic lobe, right middle temporal gyrus, and the inferior parietal lobe. However, ReHo values significantly decreased in the right lingual gyrus, left cuneiform lobe, left superior occipital gyrus, bilateral middle occipital gyrus, and the fronto-parietal junction area ( P < 0.01, clusters ≥ 50 voxels). Conclusion This study demonstrates the abnormal brain activity in the visual cortex and fronto-parietal junction area in pSS patients, suggesting pathological neuronal dysfunction in these regions.

The role of inflammation in the development of epilepsy

Epilepsy, a neurological disease characterized by recurrent seizures, is often associated with a history of previous lesions in the nervous system. Impaired regulation of the activation and resolution of inflammatory cells and molecules in the injured neuronal tissue is a critical factor to the development of epilepsy. However, it is still unclear as to how that unbalanced regulation of inflammation contributes to epilepsy. Therefore, one of the goals in epilepsy research is to identify and elucidate the interconnected inflammatory pathways in systemic and neurological disorders that may further develop epilepsy progression. In this paper, inflammatory molecules, in neurological and systemic disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s, Type I Diabetes, etc.) that could contribute to epilepsy development, are reviewed.

Understanding the neurobiology of inflammation in epileptogenesis will contribute to the development of new biomarkers for better screening of patients at risk for epilepsy and new therapeutic targets for both prophylaxis and treatment of epilepsy.

A case report of Sjögren syndrome manifesting bilateral basal ganglia lesions

RATIONALE

Peripheral neurological complications in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) seem the most common, however the involvement of central nervous system (CNS) remains unclear. While abnormalities in pSS revealed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are usually small discrete hyperintense areas in the white matter on T2-FLAIR weighted MRI, massive brain lesions have been rarely reported, particularly in bilateral basal ganglia.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 51-year-old woman exhibited dizziness, slurred speech and hemiplegia as a manifestation of pSS. Brain MRI revealed bilateral and symmetrical lesions extending into the basal ganglia, corona radiata and corpus callosum.

DIAGNOSES

Primary Sjögren's syndrome was diagnosed on the basis of clinical features, abnormal Schirmer's test and tear break-up time (BUT) findings, high levels of anti-Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A (anti-SSA) (Ro) and anti-Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen B (anti-SSB) (La) antibodies, and positive labial minor salivary gland biopsy results.

INTERVENTIONS

She was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and discharged on oral steroid therapy of prednisolone acetate.

OUTCOMES

The patient had an excellent response to steroid therapy.

LESSONS

The present case suggests that symmetry bilateral lesions can occur as a symptom of pSS, which could be induced by an autoimmune mechanism.

Optic Neuropathy Associated with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: A Case Series

PURPOSE

To determine the diverse clinical features of optic neuropathy associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome in Korean patients.

METHODS

Five women with acute and/or chronic optic neuropathy who were diagnosed as primary Sjögren's syndrome were retrospectively evaluated. Primary Sjögren's syndrome was diagnosed by signs and symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, positive serum anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB antibodies, and/or minor salivary gland biopsy. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination.

RESULTS

Among the five patients diagnosed as optic neuropathy related to primary Sjögren's syndrome, four patients had bilateral optic neuropathy and one patient was unilateral. The clinical course was chronic in three patients and one of them showed acute exacerbation and was finally diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. The other two patients presented as acute optic neuritis and one was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Sicca symptoms were present in four patients, but only two patients reported these symptoms before the onset of optic neuropathy. Patients showed minimal response to systemic corticosteroids or steroid dependence, requiring plasmapheresis in the acute phase and immunosuppressive agents for maintenance therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Optic neuropathy associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome may show variable clinical courses, including acute optic neuritis, insidious progression of chronic optic atrophy, or in the context of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Optic neuropathy may be the initial manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome without apparent sicca symptoms, which makes the diagnosis often difficult. The presence of specific antibodies including anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, and anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies are supportive for the diagnosis and treatment in atypical cases of optic neuropathy.

A Case Report of Nonvasculitic Autoimmune Inflammatory Meningoencephalitis with Sensory Ganglionopathy: A Rare Presentation of Sjögren Syndrome

A 68-year-old Caucasian female was admitted to the emergency department with a progressive history of behavioural symptoms and anxiety followed by visual and auditory hallucinations, forgetfulness, and impaired gait in the previous 3 months. On examination she was psychotic and had a postural and rest tremor of the upper limbs, cogwheel rigidity of the four limbs, retropulsion on standing position, and inability to walk. During the following 2 weeks she developed xerostomia and unilateral parotiditis that improved with steroids. A simultaneous improvement of the cognitive abilities allowed for the detection of sensory ataxia of the lower limbs. Sensory ganglionopathy was then detected with electrophysiological studies. A diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome was suspected and confirmed by salivary gland scintigraphy, Schirmer's test, and submaxillary gland biopsy. We report a case of Sjögren syndrome associated with central and peripheral nervous system involvement, without sicca symptoms preceding the neurological clinical picture. The coexistence of ganglionopathy and a favourable response to immunosuppression are key features that can lead to the correct diagnosis in cases with atypical CNS symptoms, mimicking a rapidly progressive dementia.

Primary Sjogren's Syndrome Associated With Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

There is an increasing awareness that autoimmune diseases can present with neuropsychiatric manifestations. We present the case of a 17-year-old female requiring psychiatric hospitalization for obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder with mixed affective features, who was subsequently diagnosed with primary Sjogren's syndrome. Treatment with potent immunosuppression resulted in remission of psychiatric illness. Due to a lack of awareness and/or the lack of specific biomarkers, clinicians may not associate psychiatric symptoms with autoimmune disease, including primary Sjogren's syndrome. This case demonstrates that Sjogren's syndrome may be a causative or aggravating factor in mental disorders and that autoimmune diseases should be carefully considered in the differential diagnosis of psychiatric illness especially in cases of concurrent physical symptomatology and severity or treatment resistance of psychiatric disease.

Primary Sjögren's Syndrome White Matter Changes and Cognitive Dysfunction

This case report describes a 52-year-old, female applicant for long term-care insurance with a history of an autoimmune connective tissue disease initially diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Over several years, the signs and symptoms evolved into a clear diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS). The specific criteria for this diagnosis are reviewed including the symptoms, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), extractable nuclear antigen antibodies (ENA), abnormal salivary scintigraphy and positive Schirmer test. Symptoms of neuropathy and the possibility of a cognitive dysfunction are discussed as part of PSS. The association of white matter lesions (WML) with PSS is significant for underwriting consideration.

Audiological Profile in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome in a Tertiary Care Setting and its Clinical Implications

This study aims to assess the frequency and the profile of hearing loss among patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome in a tertiary care hospital in India and to look for an association between hearing loss and immunological parameters (anti-SSA antibody, anti-SSB antibody, anticardiolipin antibodies, complements C3 and C4). This prospective observational study was done from January 2011 to October 2011 on consecutive patients diagnosed with primary Sjögren's syndrome in our tertiary care hospital. All patients underwent a puretone audiogram, tympanogram and acoustic reflex testing. The results of the tests were correlated with clinical and immunological findings. The frequency of audiometrically confirmed hearing loss in primary Sjögren's syndrome was estimated to be 78.38 %, though only 17.24 % complained of hearing loss; minimal to mild sensorineural hearing loss were the most common varieties. The commonest finding on tympanometry was 'A' type curve and acoustic reflex was absent in 18.92 % of cases. There was no association between hearing loss and age, sicca symptoms, systemic symptoms or immunological test results in primary Sjögren's syndrome. There was a high prevalence of hearing loss among patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, but most patients were unaware of this. Hearing assessment and regular monitoring of hearing thresholds is advisable for all patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

An unusually dry story

We present a middle-aged woman with a prior history of central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disorder who presented with an acute onset quadriparesis and respiratory failure. The evaluation revealed distal renal tubular acidosis with hypokalemia and medullary nephrocalcinosis. Weakness persisted despite potassium correction, and ongoing evaluation confirmed recurrent CNS and long-segment spinal cord demyelination with anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies. There was no history of dry eyes or dry mouth. Anti-Sjogren's syndrome A antigen antibodies were elevated, and there was reduced salivary flow on scintigraphy. Coexistent antiphospholipid antibody syndrome with inferior vena cava thrombosis was also found on evaluation. The index patient highlights several rare manifestations of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) as the presenting features and highlights the differential diagnosis of the clinical syndromes in which pSS should be considered in the Intensive Care Unit.

[A case of motor dominant neuropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with Sjögren's syndrome]

A 49-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with gradually progressive weakness of the limbs for about 20 days. She presented with weakness of the limbs, predominantly in the proximal portion, and slight dysesthesia of the limbs, predominantly in the distal portion. Repeated nerve conduction examination revealed axonopathy dominantly in the motor neurons. Therefore, we suspected her as having Guillain-Barré syndrome, and initiated intravenous administration of high-dose immunoglobulin. However, her symptoms progressed gradually and finally she found it difficult to walk. Her urine analysis simultaneously demonstrated albuminuria, and a kidney biopsy indicated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. At that point, laboratory examination showed high levels of anti SS-A antibody and salivary gland biopsy revealed infiltration of a significant number of lymphocytes around the gland, which led to the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. We considered the etiology of the neural and renal dysfunction as due to the inflammatory mechanism associated with Sjögren's syndrome. Therefore, we administered a second course of immunoglobulin therapy and steroid therapy, which included both pulse and oral administration. Her neurologic symptoms and albuminuria improved rapidly after steroid therapy. The present case indicates that both motor dominant neuropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis can occur in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

Central pathways causing fatigue in neuro-inflammatory and autoimmune illnesses

BACKGROUND

The genesis of severe fatigue and disability in people following acute pathogen invasion involves the activation of Toll-like receptors followed by the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and the activation of microglia and astrocytes. Many patients suffering from neuroinflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and systemic lupus erythematosus, also commonly suffer from severe disabling fatigue. Such patients also present with chronic peripheral immune activation and systemic inflammation in the guise of elevated proinflammtory cytokines, oxidative stress and activated Toll-like receptors. This is also true of many patients presenting with severe, apparently idiopathic, fatigue accompanied by profound levels of physical and cognitive disability often afforded the non-specific diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome.

DISCUSSION

Multiple lines of evidence demonstrate a positive association between the degree of peripheral immune activation, inflammation and oxidative stress, gray matter atrophy, glucose hypometabolism and cerebral hypoperfusion in illness, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and chronic fatigue syndrome. Most, if not all, of these abnormalities can be explained by a reduction in the numbers and function of astrocytes secondary to peripheral immune activation and inflammation. This is also true of the widespread mitochondrial dysfunction seen in otherwise normal tissue in neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases and in many patients with disabling, apparently idiopathic, fatigue. Given the strong association between peripheral immune activation and neuroinflammation with the genesis of fatigue the latter group of patients should be examined using FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and tested for the presence of peripheral immune activation.

SUMMARY

It is concluded that peripheral inflammation and immune activation, together with the subsequent activation of glial cells and mitochondrial damage, likely account for the severe levels of intractable fatigue and disability seen in many patients with neuroimmune and autoimmune diseases.This would also appear to be the case for many patients afforded a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Neurology of rheumatologic disorders

Rheumatologic diseases encompass autoimmune and inflammatory disorders of the joints and soft tissues that often involve multiple organ systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Common features include constitutional symptoms, arthralgia and arthritis, myalgia, and sicca symptoms. Neurological manifestations may present in patients with preexisting rheumatologic diagnoses, occur concurrently with systemic signs and symptoms, or precede systemic manifestations by months to years. Rheumatic disorders presenting as neurological syndromes may pose diagnostic challenges. Advances in immunosuppressive treatment of rheumatologic disease have expanded the treatment armamentarium. However, serious neurotoxic effects have been reported with both old and newer agents. Familiarity with neurological manifestations of rheumatologic diseases, diagnosis, and potential nervous system consequences of treatment is important for rapid diagnosis and appropriate intervention. This article briefly reviews the diverse neurological manifestations and key clinical features of rheumatic disorders and the potential neurological complications of agents commonly used for treatment.

Loss of cerebral white matter in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a controlled volumetric magnetic resonance imaging study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although brain involvement is common in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), results from cerebral imaging studies are inconsistent. This study aimed to perform both voxel-wise and global brain volume analyses in a nearly population-based pSS cohort to explore whether the patients displayed any focal or diffuse volume differences compared with healthy subjects.

METHODS

Global grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes were measured and compared in 60 patients with pSS and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Regression models were constructed with potential explanatory variables for GM and WM volumes. In the same groups, voxel-wise morphometric analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In analyses of global GM and WM, the patients had lower WM volumes than healthy subjects (540 ± 63 cm(3) vs. 564 ± 56 cm(3), P = 0.02), but no differences in GM. Voxel-wise analyses displayed no localized areas of GM or WM volume differences between pSS patients and healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with pSS have a diffuse reduction of cerebral WM but no localized loss of WM or GM. This indicates a general deleterious effect on WM due to pSS itself.

If Neurologists Establish The Diagnosis of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome?

INTRODUCTION

Neurological involvements were shown in 20% of patients with Primary Sjogren's Syndrome (pSS). Neurological symptoms may be the first signs of pSS in 57% of the cases. In addition, early diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders may save or improve the quality of life of these cases. There have been reports about the neurologic manifestations of pSS but little is known about the details of neurologically presented cases.

METHOD

In this study, we described 11 pSS patients who presented with neurological manifestations.

RESULTS

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement was recorded in 7 (63.7%) and peripheric nervous system (PNS) involvement in 4 cases (36.4%).

CONCLUSION

Our findings regarding the cases with neurological manifestations leading to the diagnosis of pSS suggest that: 1) The frequency of CNS involvement was higher than that of PNS, and the most frequent clinical pictures of CNS involvement are Multiple Sclerosis (MS)-like illnesses and optic neuritis, 2) Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) was the most frequent disease of PNS involvement; 3) Mononeuropathy multiplex (MM) might be the first sign of pSS; 4) Neurologists should consider pSS in the differential diagnosis of cases with MS, optic neuritis, GBS and neuropathies of unknown causes including MM; 5) There is an urgent need of therapeutical guidelines for the cases with neurological involvement associated with pSS.

Psychiatric manifestations of primary Sjögren's syndrome: a case report and literature review

A 54-year-old woman diagnosed with primary Sjögren's syndrome in 2007 presented with a 1-year history of visual hallucinations requiring admission to a psychiatric unit. The hallucinations resolved while on olanzapine and hydroxychloroquine but recurred when they were stopped. Despite restarting olanzapine, her visual hallucinations persisted. When she started a tapering dose of prednisolone, all the hallucinations resolved. This report adds to the small literature on psychiatric manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome and provides evidence that low-dose corticosteroids may be an effective treatment for this manifestation.

Pseudotumoral brain lesion as the presenting feature of primary Sjögren's syndrome

BACKGROUND

The frequency and type of central nervous system involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) remain controversial. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in pSS are usually discrete hyperintense areas in the white matter. Tumefactive brain lesions have been rarely reported.

CASE REPORT

We describe a 31-year-old woman who exhibited transcortical motor aphasia, hemiparesis and partial motor seizures as the initial manifestation of pSS. Brain MRI revealed a large frontoparietal lesion extending into the corpus callosum. The patient had spontaneous recovery and developed sicca symptoms 6 months after onset. Primary SS was diagnosed on the basis of clinical features, abnormal Schirmer test findings, high levels of anti-La/SSB antibodies and positive salivary gland biopsy results.

CONCLUSION

The present case suggests that a pseudotumoral brain lesion can occur as an initial symptom of pSS.

White matter water diffusion changes in primary Sjögren syndrome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Histopathologic studies have demonstrated WM damage in primary Sjögren syndrome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate WM microstructural changes by use of DTI-derived parameters in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DTI was performed in 19 patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (age, 64.73 ± 9.1 years; disease duration, 11.5 ± 7.56 years) and 16 age-matched control subjects. Exclusion criteria were a history of major metabolic, neurologic, or psychiatric disorder and high risk for cardiovascular disease. Data were analyzed by use of tract-based spatial statistics, for which the WM skeleton was created, and a permutation-based inference with 5000 permutations was used with a threshold of P < .01, corrected for multiple comparisons to enable identification of abnormalities in fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity.

RESULTS

Tract-based spatial statistics showed decreased fractional anisotropy in multiple areas in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome compared with control subjects, located mainly in the corticospinal tract, superior longitudinal fasciculus, anterior thalamic radiation, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, uncinate fasciculus, and inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Increased mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity and decreased axial diffusivity were observed in most of the fiber tracts of the brain in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome, compared with control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with primary Sjögren syndrome show loss of WM microstructural integrity, probably related to both Wallerian degeneration and demyelination.

Signal hyperintensities on brain magnetic resonance imaging in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome and frequent episodic tension-type headache: relation to platelet serotonin level and disease activity

OBJECTIVE

To examine differences in number and size of signal hyperintensities (SH) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) and controls who all had frequent episodic tension-type headache (FETH), and to investigate their relation to platelet serotonin level (PSL), patient age, disease duration, and activity.

METHODS

SH in 22 pSS patients with FETH were compared to 20 aged-matched controls with FETH, using the modified semiquantitative rating scale. Spectrofluorimetry was used for determination of PSL, and the European League Against Rheumatism SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) for disease activity assessment.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences in the total number of SH were noted infratentorially (p = 0.025) and in the basal ganglia for lesions of diameter > 5 mm (p = 0.048). Significant correlations were found between disease duration and number of overall lesions > 5 mm (p = 0.04) and subcortical lesions of diameter 2-5 mm (p = 0.035). Number of periventricular SH inversely correlated to PSL (p = 0.019) and to patient age (p = 0.004), without association with markers of immunoinflammation and ESSDAI.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that SH on brain MRI are more common in specific regions of the brain in pSS patients with FETH than in controls with FETH, signifying a more widespread cerebral vasculopathy in SS patients with FETH. Periventricular SH seem to be associated to increased platelet serotonin release in pSS patients with FETH and correlated with disease duration, without correlation to the actual ESSDAI and markers of immunoinflammation, and might be linked with chronic immunoinflammation of low-grade intensity and vasculitis in pSS.

Treating Sjögren's Syndrome: Insights for the Clinician

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the exocrine glands, mainly the salivary and lachrymal glands, with consequent persistent dryness of the mouth and eyes. In addition to the clinical manifestations related to the exocrine gland involvement, a consistent prevalence of patients may present systemic manifestations. Some of these can be ascribed to the periepithelial extension of lymphocytic infiltration whilst others are determined by an immunomediated process affecting small- or medium-size vessels. While the use of tear and saliva substitutes and local or systemic stimulation of residual secretions represent the mainstays of the therapy of sicca component, different immunomodulating or immunosuppressive agents are usually required to treat extraglandular features, similarly to what happens in other connective tissue diseases. In the last few years, the advancement in the understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms of this disorder and the availability of new biologic target therapies seem to offer completely new therapeutic options. The use of B cell depleting or modulating therapies has achieved promising results.