[Primary Sjögren's syndrome and neuromyelitis optica]

Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is characterized by the association of optic neuritis and myelitis without any other neurological signs. In 30 % of the cases, NMO is associated with a systemic disorders. We report two cases of NMO associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome that was diagnosed during an acute flare of NMO. The relationship between NMO and Sjögren's syndrome has not been clearly identified. This association likely reflects the coexistence of two autoimmune disorders. The prognosis of NMO appears to be more severe in patients having coexisting Sjögren's syndrome, which renders useful to search for this association in patients with neuromyelitis optica.