Sjögren's Syndrome Associated with Vitamin B(12) Deficiency.
Three patients showing Sjögren's syndrome in association with macrocytic anemia due to vitamin B(12) deficiency are described. Antibodies to parietal cells, intrinsic factor and salivary protein were investigated; positive test results were obtained in different combinations. Addisonian pernicious anemia as well as vitamin B(12)-malabsorption because of anti-intrinsic factor antibodies in gastric juice and/or malabsorption due to changes in the intestinal wall induced by Sjögren's syndrome are possible etiological factors. A case of Sjögren's syndrome associated with positive anti-parietal cell antibodies and histaminerefractory achylia is also reported. The concurrence of these two diseases known to be associated with autoimmune responses suggests the possibility of similar pathogenesis.
Wegelius
O
O
Fourth Department of Medicine, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Fyhrquist
F
F
Adner
P L
PL