Sarcoidosis Imitating Sjögren's Syndrome or the Association of Sarcoidosis - Sjögren's Syndrome

Abstract

Sarcoidosis and Sjögren's syndrome are chronic multi-systemic diseases. The association of these two diseases was reported only in 1% of patients with Sjögren's syndrome. We present this rare case in order to draw the attention to the prognostic importance of this difference. A 62-year-old female patient presented to our hospital with the complaints of dyspnea and a dry cough. Dry eye and dry mouth were present. Laboratory analyses revealed serum anti SS-A (Ro) (+++) antibody positivity. Chest computerized tomography revealed lymphadenopathy and reticular-micronodular appearance evident. Transbronchial needle aspiration guided with endobronchial ultrasound was conducted through 10R and 7 lymph nodes. Pathology was compatible with sarcoidosis. Pulmonary function test revealed 40% carbon monoxide diffusion capacity. It is of prognostic importance to distinguish sarcoidosis imitating Sjögren's syndrome from the association of sarcoidosis-Sjögren's syndrome, since sarcoidosis mostly limits itself and recover by itself without any functional restrictions, but the pulmonary involvement of Sjögren's syndrome causes permanent defects.