Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Sjogren’s Syndrome with Unspecified Neuropathy: A Case Report

Abstract

We describe a unique and rare presentation of numbness in the oral cavity due to undiagnosed Sjogren’s Syndrome. Accompanied with primary biliary cholangitis, these syndromes have a limited presence within oral related cases as shown by literary searches. This is one of the few cases reported demonstrating Sjogren’s Syndrome and primary biliary cholangitis displaying paresthesia in the oral cavity, dysphagia, and ascites. Sjogren’s Syndrome and primary biliary cholangitis are two complex and chronic autoimmune diseases that can coexist and can present in a variety of ways. Sjogren’s syndrome has a major effect on exocrine glands, such as the salivary gland. This will consequently result in oral dryness that can cause dysphagia. Sjogren’s syndrome has multiple forms, being primary and secondary. Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome is when patient has previously been diagnosed with another autoimmune disease presenting before the diagnosis of Sjogren’s. In rare cases patients with Sjogren’s Syndrome may develop primary biliary cholangitis. We report a case of primary biliary cholangitis and Sjogren’s Syndrome, presenting with paresthesia of the perioral region and dysphagia. After thorough literature searches, there proves to be very few similar cases in the dental literature [1,2].