Chest HRCT findings in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

Abstract

Background. Pulmonary manifestations (PMs) in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) are among the most frequent extraglandular complications, with reported prevalence varying widely (9-75%), depending on the methods of detection. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of PMs in pSS and to determine the factors predisposing to the occurrence of this complication. Material and methods. The study group consisted of 68 patients with pSS. Among the patients who were possibly affected by PMs, chest High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) was performed. Results. In the group of all patients afflicted with pSS, 30 people indicated the need to expand medical imaging via chest HRCT scan. (The most frequent reason, in 80%, was persistent, dry cough periodically waking up patients at night). The chest HRCT scan revealed lung tissue changes in the course of 29% of all examined patients (of 68). No correlation was found between the occurrence of HRCT changes and the age of patients (p = 0.8), increased CRP > 5 mg/1 (p = 0.1) or ESR > 20 mm/h (p = 0.9), focus score (p = 0.8), leucopenia (p = 0.5), RF value (p = 0.3), gamma globulin value (p = 0.5), intensity of eye and oral cavity dryness (p = 0.6; 0.3) and smoking cigarettes. Additionally, no correlation was found between more frequent occurrences of antibodies anti-SSA, anti-SSB or anti-Ro52 and HRCT changes (p = 0.3; 0.07; 0.4). Pertaining to the clinical signs, HRCT changes occurred more often only in patients suffering from peripheral arthritis (p < 0.01). Conclusions. PM is a frequent symptom of pSS. A factor predisposing to the development of changes in the respiratory system was not found. Changes in HRCT occur more frequently in patients with peripheral arthritis.