Rare Manifestation of Sjögren's Syndrome as Unilateral Facial Paralysis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Herein, we present a unique case of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) first presenting as facial palsy, as well as a literature review of case reports describing SS-associated facial paralysis. A PubMed search for papers containing the keywords Sjögren's syndrome or Sjögren's disease, as well as facial paralysis, facial paresis, facial palsy, or Bell's palsy, was performed. Articles not in English and cases of SS not involving facial paralysis were excluded. Appropriate articles were reviewed for patient demographics and symptoms of SS, including laterality of facial paralysis, cranial nerve involvement, and comorbid diseases. House-Brackmann grades were annotated based on either assignment by individual case reports or the authors' descriptions when sufficient details were present. Of 43 peer-reviewed articles found, 14 were both in the English language and provided adequate information on a total of 16 patients with facial paralysis and SS diagnosis. Ultimately, SS and other systemic autoimmune disorders should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with insidious onset facial paralysis.