A Case of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome with Protein-losing Enteropathy / 대한류마티스학회지

ABSTRACT

Protein-losing enteropathy is a rare complication of autoimmune diseases. We report a case of primary Sjogren's syndrome with protein-losing enteropathy in 50-year-old female who complained of generalized edema. Protein-losing enteropathy of the small intestine was demonstrated by Tc-99m labeled albumin abdominal scintigraphy. Duodenal biopsies showed chronic inflammatory cell infiltration without lymphangiectasis or vasculitis. The patient received oral prednisolone (60 mg/day) for 4 weeks with subsequent clinical improvement. Primary Sjogren's syndrome or other autoimmune diseases should be considered in cases of protein-losing enteropathy.