Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Ultrasound, CT, Conventional radiography, Lymph nodes, Ear / Nose / Throat, Head and neck, Diagnostic procedure, Inflammation
Authors:
C. hanna, A. A. M. B. Okba; cairo/EG
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-0951
Background
Background
Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder with a higher incidence in middle aged and menopausal females.
It predominantly affects the salivary and lacrimal glands as a primary manifestation.
It may be primary or secondary being associated with other connective tissue disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
SS shows a 44 fold increased risk of Lymphoma as well as the affection of multiple glandular and extra-glandular tissues,
necessitating proper radiological follow up.
The diagnosis of SS is based on the classification criteria proposed by the American–European Study Group,
introduced in 2002 and built on the 1992 European preliminary classification criteria.
The diagnosis is based on six criteria,
including parotid sialography,
and/or salivary Scintigraphy
Pathology:
Poorly understood immune-mediated disease that could be initiated by viral or hormonal changes,
leading to periductal lymphocyte aggregates that destroy the salivary acini and ductal epithelia of lacrimal glands with subsequent tissue damage.
Clinical issues:
Salivary gland enlargement occurs episodically in many patients giving tender bilateral parotid glands swelling
Xerostomia is a result of diminished saliva production and leads to difficulty in swallowing dry food,
changes in the sense of taste,
and an increase in oral candidiasis and dental caries.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca caused by diminished tear production is a characteristic ophthalmological finding in SS.
Affected patients usually complain of a sandy or scratchy sensation in their eyes.