Corneal melt as the initial presentation of primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Abstract

Corneal melting is a rare complication of S ogren's syndrome (SS). Previously reported cases of corneal ulceration occurred in patients with established SS, usually secondary to RA. We describe the first case of corneal ulceration with stromal melting as the initial presentation of primary SS. A 79-year-old man without prior sicca symptoms developed a large sterile corneal ulcer that required extensive treatment over several months with ocular lubricants, systemic immunosuppressives, and surgical repair. Evaluation for an underlying connective tissue disease revealed positive antinuclear antibodies (1:640 speckled) and anti-SSA antibody. A lip biopsy established the diagnosis of SS. Ulceration later occurred in the contralateral eye. Two years after the last corneal ulcer and no longer taking prednisone, the patient's ocular disease remained quiescent taking azathioprine 175 mg and hydroxychloroquine 400 mg daily. This case highlights the potential for primary SS to present with serious ocular complications despite lack of a priori sicca symptoms, as well as the importance of immunosuppressive therapy in the treatment of this complication.