Abstract
Introduction: Sjögren syndrome is thought to be a lymphocyte-driven process. Peripheral nervous system involvement occurs in about 20%–25% of patients. A sensory-predominant, large-fiber peripheral neuropathy is most common, and it is usually associated with a subacute to chronic presentation. Methods: We report a rare case of an acute Sjögren-associated, sensory predominant, length-dependent peripheral neuropathy mimicking Guillain–Barré syndrome. The patient presented with sensory ataxia preceded by fever and polyarthralgia. She gave a history of years of dry eyes and dry mouth. Results: She had a positive Shirmer test, abnormal salivary gland scan, and positive SS-A and SS-B antibodies. A sural nerve biopsy showed an unusual, dense, non-IgG4, polyclonal, plasma-cell perivascular infiltrate. The patient responded to treatment with weekly pulse intravenous methylprednisolone. Conclusions: Sjögren syndrome can present with acute-onset, sensory predominant peripheral neuropathy. The role of plasma cells in Sjögren syndrome is unexplored and deserves further study. Muscle Nerve 55: 605–608, 2017.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 605-608 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Muscle and Nerve |
Volume | 55 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1 2017 |
Keywords
- GBS mimic
- Sjögren syndrome
- acute axonal neuropathy
- acute sensory neuropathy
- plasma cell infiltrate
- sicca symptoms
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Physiology (medical)
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Physiology