Pulmonary involvement in Sjögren's syndrome

Med Clin (Barc). 2022 Feb 25;158(4):181-185. doi: 10.1016/j.medcli.2021.06.016. Epub 2021 Aug 13.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that involves exocrine glands. The most characteristic symptoms consist of the sicca syndrome (including xerostomia and dry eye - xerophtalmia), but can involve multiple organs. The extraglandular involvement determines the prognosis. It is typically associated with the presence of antinuclear antibodies, including Ro-60 antibodies. Pulmonary involvement appears as bronchiectasis and/or interstitial pneumonia. Considering its high prevalence, it must be ruled out in all patients with respiratory symptoms by performing pulmonary function tests and high-resolution computed tomography of the chest. Evaluation can be completed with a transbronchial biopsy if diagnostic doubts persist. Treatment includes steroid therapy, inmunosupressive or antifibrotic drugs, or biological therapy. In selected cases pulmonary transplantation must be considered.

Keywords: Enfermedad pulmonar intersticial; Intersitial lung disease; Sicca syndrome; Sjögren's síndrome; Síndrome de Sjögren; Síndrome seco.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / diagnosis
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / etiology
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Sjogren's Syndrome* / complications
  • Sjogren's Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Xerostomia*