Trigeminal neuropathy as a complication of systemic sclerosis: case reports and literature review / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:Our study aimed to investigate clinical and immunological features, and prognosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) complicated with trigeminal neuropathy (TN).Methods:Data of SSc-associated TN were collected from clinical records in Peking University People's Hospital between January 2009 and July 2019.Results:Five cases collected from our cohort and 8 cases from literature. Out of 13 cases, 11 were females, with the average age of (50±9) years. TN occurred before, concurrent, or after SSc. Raynaud's phenomenon (100%, 13/13), lung involvement (75%, 9/12) and esophageal dysfunction (60%, 6/10) were key clinical features of SSc-associated TN patients. Twelve cases received blink reflex tests and 10 of them had positive results. In SSc-associated TN patients, ANA was detected in 92% (11/12) of cases, anti-Scl-70 antibody was detected in 40% (4/10) of cases, and anti-RNP antibody was detected in 36% (4/11) of patients. Elevated ESR and immunoglobulin were found in 43% (3/7) of patients, and 57% (4/7) of patients, respectively. Symptoms of nervous system gradually improved after treated with glucocorticoid and immuno-suppressants.Conclusion:TN is identified as a complication of SSc. SSc patients with Raynaud's pheno-menon, lung involvement, esophageal dysfunction, positive ANA, anti-Scl-70 antibody and anti-RNP antibody are prone to develop TN and should receive more effective intervention. Blink reflex test is useful for patients with SSc-associated trigeminal sensory neuropathy.