What connective tissue diseases are common with Sjögrens Syndrome?
Sjögren’s Syndrome can accompany Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Scleroderma or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Sjögren’s can also be associated with “Primary Biliary Cirrhosis” or “Autoimmune Hepatitis,” two rare forms of liver inflammation. Sjögren’s can be seen with a limited form of scleroderma, known as the “CREST Syndrome.” This condition is associated with calcium deposits in the skin, blanching of the fingers in the cold (Raynaud’s Phenomenon), hiatus hernia symptoms (dysfunction of the esophagus), scarring of the skin on the fingers (sclerodactyly) and marks on the skin due to enlarged clumps of small blood vessels (telengiectases). Rarely, Sjögren’s Syndrome can also be associated with increasing blood pressure on the right side of the heart (pulmonary hypertension) resulting in shortness of breath.
