A 68-Year-Old Woman Presenting with Dyspnea—Interstitial Lung Disease and Sjögren's Syndrome
Interstitial lung disease and Sjögren's syndrome 1. Cause and Etiology Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized primarily by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, leading to dry eyes and dry mouth. However, it is also a systemic disorder and can involve multiple organs, including the lungs , resulting in interstitial lung disease (ILD) . ILD in Sjögren’s syndrome is considered secondary to the autoimmune process. The exact cause remains unknown, but the key factors include: · Autoimmunity : Production of autoantibodies (anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB). · Genetic predisposition : Certain HLA alleles are associated with SS (e.g., HLA-DR, HLA-DQ). · Environmental triggers : Viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus), and dust or chemical exposure may contribute. · ...