Spectrum of Neuro-Sjogren's syndrome in a tertiary care center in south India

BACKGROUND: Neurological affection in Sjogren's syndrome (SS) can occur in the central and peripheral nervous system. Literature describing the neurological involvement in SS among Indian patients is lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients of SS fulfilling the histological or serological criteria of the American European Consensus Group for SS were studied prospectively. The patients underwent clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Their clinical and investigation features are described. RESULTS: The age of the patients ranged from 26 to 48 years, with a male to female ratio of 2:4. In our series, peripheral sensori-motor neuropathy and sensory ataxic neuropathy was seen in 3/6, mononeuritis multiplex in 2/6, cranial neuropathy in 2/6, autonomic neuropathy in 1/6, myelopathy in 4/6, optic neuropathy in 2/6, with presence of classical sicca features in 5/6 patients. Positive lip biopsy was seen in three, altitudinal field defect in one and positive Schirmer's test in five patients. Nerve conduction study abnormalities were seen in three and evidence of vasculitis was seen in nerve biopsy of one patient and chronic nonuniform axonopathy was seen in another. Antibody to Ro (SSA) or La (SSB) was positive in five patients. CONCLUSIONS: SS involves different parts of the nervous system with varied presentations. Clinical suspicion and adequate laboratory testing helps to diagnose and manage this disorder that is relatively rare in Indian patients.