Radiologic and histologic findings in Sjögren's sensory neuronopathy

Abstract

A 27-year-old woman presented with a two-year history of asymmetric paresthesia in her hands and feet. Neurological examination revealed global areflexia, marked loss of position sense and normal motor strength in all limbs. Nerve conduction studies showed absence of sensory potentials with no abnormalities in electromyography. These findings were compatible with a diagnosis of sensory neuronopathy. Spine MRI demonstrated hyperintensity in the posterior columns (Figures A and B). Salivary gland biopsy (Figure C) was diagnostic for Sjögren' s syndrome. Sensory neuronopathy is a rare type of peripheral neuropathy, which can occur among Sjögren' s syndrome patients and usually antedates the diagnosis of Sjögren' s syndrome 1,2 .