Rare complications of Sjögren’s syndrome in a female patient

Abstract

Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) is a systemic autoimmune disease, most common in middle-aged women, characterized by chronic inflammation of exocrine glands. It can present by itself or alongside other autoimmune diseases. Main symptoms are dry eyes and mouth, but the disease can affect joints, lungs, kidneys, peripheral nervous system (PNS), and rarely central nervous system (CNS). SS-A antibodies in SjS can pass the fetoplacental barrier and cause congenital heart block. Patients with SjS are at higher risk of developing lymphoma.

Keywords

• central nervous system
• congenital heart block
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• SSA-antibodies