Pathology · single question
A patient reports decreased salivary flow (xerostomia) and decreased tear secretion (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). What is the most likely diagnosis?
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Correct answer: D. Sjögren syndrome
- A. Rheumatoid arthritis alone does not cause sicca; however RA is one of the connective tissue diseases most commonly associated with secondary Sjögren syndrome.
- B. Scleroderma primarily affects skin and connective tissue; dry symptoms may occur but are secondary.
- C. SLE can be associated with secondary Sjögren but does not primarily present with sicca symptoms as its dominant feature.
- D. CORRECT — Sjögren syndrome is a chronic autoimmune exocrinopathy characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of salivary and lacrimal glands, producing the sicca symptoms (xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Diagnosis is aided by anti-SSA (Ro) and anti-SSB (La) autoantibodies, minor salivary gland biopsy showing focal lymphocytic sialadenitis, and Schirmer test.