The diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome requires demonstration of an autoimmune disease that is adversely affecting the function of the glands that produce tears and saliva. Dry eyes and dry mouth are the most common symptoms. Assessments by a rheumatologist, ophthalmologist, and a dentist or oral medicine specialist are usually needed to search for key elements of the disease. Key elements may include an inadequate tear film, decreased saliva production, salivary gland inflammation, and an underlying autoimmune process. A careful evaluation is needed to exclude other potential causes of dryness of the eyes and of the mouth.
Over the past 45 years, there has been an evolution in the definition of the symptoms and signs that, in aggregate, represent the disease process we call “Sjögren’s syndrome.” There is no single test that establishes the presence of this disease. Currently, the diagnosis requires either the presence of anti-SSA (Ro) antibodies or a biopsy of salivary glands from the lip showing a characteristic pattern of inflammation.
Your doctors may recommend the following tests to determine if you have Sjögren’s syndrome:
- Blood and Urine Tests
- Schirmer’s Test
- Ocular Surface Staining
- Salivary Gland Function Scans (Parotid Scintigraphy)
- Labial Gland (Lip) Biopsy
- Sialometry
- Ultrasonography of the Major Salivary Glands
Your doctors may also recommend other tests to determine if you have neurologic complications of Sjögren’s syndrome:
- Nerve Conduction and Electromyography
- Cutaneous Nerve/Skin Biopsy
- Lumbar Puncture
- MRI of the Brain and Spinal Cord
Sjögren’s Syndrome Criteria:
- 2002 American-European Consensus Group (AECG)
- 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)
