Question
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis mentions to her physician that after many years without dental problems, she has recently had the dental problem as represented in the picture below. This finding suggests that she should be evaluated for which of the following diseases?
A. Oral squamous cell carcinoma.
B. Polyarteritis nodosa.
C. Sjögren’s syndrome.
D. Systemic lupus erythematosus.
Show Answer
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Correct Answer » C
Explanation
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Ans: C. Sjögren’s syndrome
The patient suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis is presenting with Dental Caries.
Patient is suffering from secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Sjögren syndrome
- It is a systemic chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates in exocrine organs. Most individuals with Sjögren syndrome present with sicca symptoms, such as xerophthalmia (dry eyes), xerostomia (dry mouth, often resulting in dental caries and fissures in the oral mucosa), and parotid gland enlargement.
- Primary Sjögren syndrome occurs in the absence of another underlying rheumatic disorder, whereas secondary Sjögren syndrome is associated with another underlying rheumatic disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or scleroderma
The development of oral squamous cell carcinoma is not related to the presence of dental caries.
Polyarteritis nodosa is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis. Patients typically present with low-grade fever, weakness, and weight loss. Abdominal pain, hematuria, renal failure, hypertension, and leukocytosis may occur.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculitis, rash, renal disease, hemolytic anemia, and neurologic disturbances.
