Subacute sensory neuronopathy secondary to dorsal root ganglionitis in primary Sjögren's syndrome

Ann Neurol. 1986 Oct;20(4):535-7. doi: 10.1002/ana.410200416.

Abstract

Sensory neuropathies, particularly trigeminal neuropathy, have been recognized as neurological complications of Sjögren's syndrome, but the pathogenesis has not been established. We describe a woman with primary Sjögren's syndrome who developed a progressive debilitating subacute sensory neuronopathy. Results of electrophysiological studies were consistent with involvement of the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia. A thoracic dorsal root ganglion biopsy showed lymphocytic infiltration and degeneration of ganglion cells. We believe that this is the first description of biopsy-documented dorsal root ganglionitis in a subacute sensory neuronopathy associated with Sjögren's syndrome and that the finding suggests an immunopathogenic basis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Ganglia, Spinal* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurons, Afferent
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / complications*
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / pathology