Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome White Matter Changes and Cognitive Dysfunction

This case report describes a 52-year-old, female applicant for long term-care insurance with a history of an autoimmune connective tissue disease initially diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Over several years, the signs and symptoms evolved into a clear diagnosis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (PSS). The specific criteria for this diagnosis are reviewed including the symptoms, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), extractable nuclear antigen antibodies (ENA), abnormal salivary scintigraphy and positive Schirmer test. Symptoms of neuropathy and the possibility of a cognitive dysfunction are discussed as part of PSS. The association of white matter lesions (WML) with PSS is significant for underwriting consideration.