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Case Reports
. 2023 Sep 26;15(9):e45981.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.45981. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Undiagnosed Primary Sjögren's Syndrome With Pleural Involvement

Rui L Fernandes Sr  1 , Ana C Henriques  1 , Angela Ghiletchi  2 , Maria I Correia  1 , Teresa Faria  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Undiagnosed Primary Sjögren's Syndrome With Pleural Involvement

Rui L Fernandes Sr et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by the lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, primarily the salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in the dryness of the eyes and mouth. However, Sjögren's syndrome is not limited to glandular involvement, as it can also affect various other organ systems, leading to a wide range of extraglandular manifestations and delaying the diagnosis. In this scenario, a high level of suspicion is required.

Keywords: general internal medicine; lung involvement; pleural effusion; rheumatology; sjögren’s syndrome.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Chest X-ray showing bilateral pleural effusion but more evident on the left side, as indicated by the red arrow
Figure 2
Figure 2. Axial computed tomography (CT) showing mild pericardial effusion (red star) and confirming the pleural effusion (red arrow)
Figure 3
Figure 3. Chest X-ray at discharge
Substantial improvement of pleural effusion after corticosteroid onset
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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