Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Sjogren’s Syndrome with Unspecified Neuropathy: A Case Report

A female was referred to East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine for evaluation of a sudden onset of tingling and numbness of the upper lip, maxillary and mandibular gingiva and the tip of the tongue. Her medical history included a recent diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis and she presented with her first episode of ascites. She informed that she was scheduled to get the drainage of fluid done the next day. Extraoral examination also confirmed numbness presentation upon palpation of both sides of her face with patient’s eyes closed. Her other symptoms like dry mouth, dry eyes, fatigue and body aches were consistent with Sjogren’s Syndrome. It was decided to order blood work for diagnosis of SS. After a consultation with Orofacial Pain we also decided on an MRI of the brain and skull, with and without contrast for evaluation of cranial nerves V and VII. The MRI demonstrated unremarkable imagining of the brain and no compression or abnormality of the Vth and VIIth cranial nerves. The blood work resulted in a positive diagnosis for Sjogren’s Syndrome. Sjogren’s Syndrome can cause different types of neuropathies and it was agreed that her tingling and numbness has most likely been caused by SS. It was decided to refer the patient to rheumatologist for further evaluation and proper treatment.

MRI of the brain and skull base had findings of a small vessel near the cisternal portion of the right fifth cranial nerve, however there was no compression or definite abnormality. The ordered items for blood work were Sjogren’s Ab, Anti-SS-A/-SS-B, CCP Antibodies IgG/IgA, ANA with Reflex, Sedimentation Rate- Westergren, and C-Reactive Protein. Sjogren’s Anti-SS-A resulted in a high reading of 1.2. ANA with Reflex Antinuclear Antibodies resulted in an extremely positive reading of 1:1280 with a speckled pattern. Sedimentation Rate-Westergren resulted in a reading of 33 mm/hr and C-Reactive Protein resulted in a reading of 7 mg/L.

The diagnosis of sjogren’s syndrome was confirmed by the blood work displaying both a highly positive antibody count and the specific speckled pattern. The ANA with Reflex Antinuclear Antibodies results were showed an exceptionally positive reading with a speckled pattern, which indicates Sjogren’s Syndrome. With more awareness of these presentations and symptoms in dentistry, we hope to reduce the diagnosis time for patients. Eventually this will help in improving their quality of life through treatment Table 1.

Table 1:Lab Results.

There is limited literature in dentistry which talks about Sjogren’s Syndrome and primary biliary cholangitis occurring simultaneously. Patient’s with these two conditions, presenting with facial neuropathy is rare and unreported to the best of our knowledge. We are hoping that this case report will be able to increase awareness of possible presenting symptoms of these conditions. This will reduce the chances of patients being subjected to long periods of suffering due to lack of diagnosis.

None.

No conflict of interest.

1. Lins L, Paraná R, Reis S, Pereira Falcão A (2014). Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: Insights for the Stomatologist. Case Rep Gastroenterol 8(2): 251-256.
2. Mandel L, Dehlinger N (2003) Primary biliary cirrhosis and Sjögren’s syndrome: case report. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 61(11): 1358-1361.