What is the most likely diagnosis for a patient presenting with bilateral swelling of cheeks, dry mouth, and dry eyes, alongside positive anti-Ro antibodies?

What is the most likely diagnosis for a patient presenting with bilateral swelling of cheeks, dry mouth, and dry eyes, alongside positive anti-Ro antibodies?

• A. Lymphoma
• B. Rheumatoid arthritis
• C. Sjögren syndrome
• D. Systemic lupus erythematosus

Answer: (C)

The symptoms described—bilateral swelling of the cheeks, dry mouth, and dry eyes—together with the presence of positive anti-Ro antibodies strongly indicate Sjögren syndrome. This autoimmune condition primarily affects the exocrine glands, leading to dryness in the mouth (xerostomia) and eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), often accompanied by enlarged salivary glands, which can account for the swelling of the cheeks. Anti-Ro antibodies, also known as anti-SSA antibodies, are commonly found in patients with Sjögren syndrome, helping to establish the diagnosis. Although other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, can present with overlapping symptoms and positive autoantibodies, they don’t typically feature the same combination of significant glandular swelling and specific serological markers as seen in Sjögren syndrome. Understanding these associations is crucial in distinguishing Sjögren syndrome from other autoimmune disorders.

The symptoms described—bilateral swelling of the cheeks, dry mouth, and dry eyes—together with the presence of positive anti-Ro antibodies strongly indicate Sjögren syndrome. This autoimmune condition primarily affects the exocrine glands, leading to dryness in the mouth (xerostomia) and eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), often accompanied by enlarged salivary glands, which can account for the swelling of the cheeks.

Anti-Ro antibodies, also known as anti-SSA antibodies, are commonly found in patients with Sjögren syndrome, helping to establish the diagnosis. Although other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, can present with overlapping symptoms and positive autoantibodies, they don’t typically feature the same combination of significant glandular swelling and specific serological markers as seen in Sjögren syndrome.

Understanding these associations is crucial in distinguishing Sjögren syndrome from other autoimmune disorders.