Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia associated with primary Sjogren's syndrome

Rheumatol Int. 2008 Aug;28(10):1053-5. doi: 10.1007/s00296-008-0568-x. Epub 2008 Apr 1.

Abstract

The association of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) with primary Sjogren's syndrome (PSS) is extremely rare. We report a case of simultaneous diagnosis of PSS and COP. A 70-year-old female presented with fever, non-productive cough and dyspnea of 2 months' duration. She had experienced sicca symptoms for the past 2 years. The chest radiograph revealed a right lower lobe infiltrate, which was unresponsive to antibiotics. Bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage and an open lung biopsy established the diagnosis of COP, while a lip biopsy was consistent with PSS. The patient improved on steroids. Organizing pneumonia may be one of the early manifestations of PSS. Exclusion of PSS should be part of a thorough evaluation of the patient with COP.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / complications*
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / complications*
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed