Title: Acute Flaccid Quadriplegia as the Presenting Symptom of Sjogren’s Syndrome- A Rare Presentation
Authors: Dr Sharan Krishna Menon, Dr Pradeep Shenoy
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i12.36
Abstract
Sjogren’s syndrome is a slowly progressive autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands resulting in xerostomia and dry eyes. The syndrome has unique features since it presents with a wide clinical spectrum from organ-specific autoimmune exocrinopathy to systemic disease. A small but significant number of these patients progress to develop malignant lymphoma. Middle-aged women (female-to-male ratio, 9:1) are primarily affected. However, Sjogren’s syndrome may occur at any age, including childhood(1). We present the case of a 42-year-old female who presented with flaccid paralysis of all four limbs and on evaluation was diagnosed to have Sjogren’s syndrome. Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome presenting as quadriplegia extremely rare and the significance of managing hypokalemiadue to renal tubular acidosis with potassium citrateinstead of potassium chloride is highlighted.
Keywords: Sjogren’s syndrome, Hypokalemic periodic paralysis, distal renal tubular acidosis.
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