A Case of Sjögren's Syndrome Mimicking Inflammatory Myopathy

Abstract

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder, characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands and causing the decreased function of lacrimal and salivary glands. We describe a case of a 34-year-old male who presented with Sjogren's syndrome presenting as myopathy and sensorimotor neuropathy. His creatinine kinase levels were elevated with positive anti-Sjogren's syndrome-related antigen A autoantibodies and anti-Sjogren's syndrome Type B autoantibodies. Electromyography showed evidence of irritable myopathy. Parotid gland biopsy demonstrated focal lymphocytic sialadenitis. The patient favorably responded to high-dose steroids. Thus, although rare, inflammatory myopathy must be considered part of the initial presentation of Sjogren's syndrome.