Sjögren's in adult Still's disease?

Abstract

The objective of the study was to search for clinical, ophthalmological and serological manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome in patients with adult onset Still's Disease (AOSD). Eight consecutive patients with AOSD were evaluated. In all cases a standardized questionnaire to disclose sicca symptoms as well as extraglandular manifestations commonly associated with Sjögren's syndrome(SS) was conducted. Ophthalmological and serological evaluation was undertaken in all patients. Oral involvement was investigated by minor salivary gland biopsy in 7 patients. One case presented symptomatic keratoconjunctivitis sicca and grade III Chisholm labial biopsy. A further 2 patients had grade IV (4 foci per 4 mm2) salivary gland biopsy, in the absence of xerostomia or xerophthalmia. The search for autoantibodies proved negative throughout. It was concluded that focal sialoadenitis was not uncommon in our patients with AOSD. Whether this finding corresponds to a true SS is not yet clearly determined.