Sjögren's syndrome in women presenting with chronic dyspareunia.
OBJECTIVE
To identify cases of Sjögren's syndrome among women with chronic dyspareunia who did not already have a diagnosed rheumatological disorder.


METHODS
Prospective recruitment over 12 months.


METHODS
Tertiary referral service for the assessment of vulval disease.


METHODS
Women with chronic dyspareunia who had musculoskeletal symptoms, Raynaud's phenomenon or symptoms of ocular or oral dryness.


METHODS
The women underwent a Schirmer tear test and a comprehensive auto-antibody screen including latex fixation test for rheumatoid factor, antinuclear, anti-Ro, anti-La and anti-salivary duct antibodies. A labial salivary gland biopsy and vaginal biopsy were taken for routine histological analysis.


METHODS
Cases of definite and probable Sjögren's syndrome were identified using the European criteria.


RESULTS
Eleven women were assessed for features of Sjögren's syndrome. Four had definite primary Sjögren's syndrome, two had probable primary Sjögren's syndrome and one had probable secondary Sjögren's syndrome. Among these seven women the median duration of vaginal symptoms was seven years (range 0.25-20), of ocular symptoms was one year (range 0.25-2) and of oral symptoms was 1.5 years (range 0-6). In all but one woman dyspareunia presented before ocular or oral symptoms, often by many years.


CONCLUSIONS
Although well-recognised as a feature of established Sjögren's syndrome, this study emphasises that chronic dyspareunia can be a presenting feature in these women, antedating the emergence of ocular or oral symptoms by many years. Symptoms of ocular or oral dryness, Raynaud's phenomenon or musculoskeletal symptoms should be sought in women with chronic dyspareunia to identify those who merit further investigation.
Mulherin
D M
DM
Department of Rheumatology, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Sheeran
T P
TP
Kumararatne
D S
DS
Speculand
B
B
Luesley
D
D
Situnayake
R D
RD
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000209:etiology; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000209:etiology