ATLANTA - New research at ACR Convergence 2023, the American College of Rheumatology's (ACR) annual meeting, shows that ultrasound-detected salivary gland abnormalities in primary Sjögren's become more severe over time and that the slow-to-progress disease likely starts long before it is first detected (
Abstract #1371).
Sjögren's disease also known as Primary
Sjögren's syndrome, is a systemic autoimmune disorder. It is marked by inflammation of the lacrimal and salivary glands, leading to chronic dry eyes and mouth. Fatigue is common, and about one-third of patients have complications affecting the lungs, skin, kidneys, and joints. Up to 60% of patients can develop systemic symptoms.
Salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS) is a safe and noninvasive method for diagnosing and monitoring Sjögren's. Yet it is unclear whether the abnormalities it detects become more notable over time. Valérie Devauchelle-Pensec, M.D., Ph.D., professor of rheumatology in the department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at the University of Brest Occidentale and the Cavale Blanche hospital in Brest, France designed a cross-sectional international study to find out.
