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Vasculitis in Sjögren’s Syndrome

  • Vasculitis (Luis R. Espinoza, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that is commonly manifested by immune attack on the exocrine glands with resultant dry eyes and dry mouth. Sjögren’s syndrome patients also have disease in other organs. One of the most common extraglandular manifestations is vasculitis. Skin vasculitis, with palpable purpura clinically and leukocytoclastic vasculitis on pathological examination, is common. Although half of those individuals with subcutaneous vasculitis have only a single episode, skin vasculitic involvement is associated with more severe disease. Necrotizing vasculitis of medium-sized vessels resembling polyarteritis nodosa can occur in Sjögren’s syndrome patients. Experience in therapy for vasculitis is limited, but intravenous IgG may be effective. Recent data support a relationship between neuromyelitis optica (Devic disease) and Sjögren’s syndrome. Sjögren’s syndrome patients with optic neuritis or transverse myelitis have anti–aquaporin-4, which are characteristic of Devic disease. Devic disease patients have salivary lymphocytic infiltration similar to that found among Sjögren’s syndrome patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA

    R. Hal Scofield

  2. Arthritis and Clinical Immunology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA

    R. Hal Scofield

  3. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Medical Service, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA

    R. Hal Scofield

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Scofield, R.H. Vasculitis in Sjögren’s Syndrome. Curr Rheumatol Rep 13, 482–488 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-011-0207-5

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