Auricular chondritis and diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis in primary Sjogren's syndrome

Primary Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder; these disorders occur when the immune system attacks natural body tissues and substances. The syndrome affects women after menopause and is characterized by xerostomia (dry mouth), rheumatoid arthritis, and dry eyes with possible loss of vision. Research has recently found that Sjogren's syndrome can also have adverse effects on the central nervous system and the blood vessels. A case is described of a 48-year-old woman with Sjogren's syndrome who developed auricular chondritis, or inflammation of the cartilage of the ears. Microscopic examination showed characteristics of relapsing polychondritis, which is the inflammation of cartilage tissue at several sites including the ears, nose, joints, bronchi, and trachea. The patient also had diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis or inflammation of the kidney, resulting in rapid deterioration of kidney function. She was treated with the corticosteroid prednisone, and at one-year follow-up, showed improvement in kidney function and no inflammation or deformity of the ear. This case is unusual because of the simultaneous occurrence of both ear chondritis and diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis in a patient with Sjogren's syndrome. It demonstrates that Sjogren's syndrome can affect many body systems, including some that were not previously thought to be vulnerable to this disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)