A diffuse T lymphocytic gastrointestinal mucosal infiltration associated with Sjogren's syndrome resulting in a watery diarrhea syndrome and responsive to immunosuppressive therapy

We report the case of a 45-yr-old white man, investigated for chronic diarr ea, malabsorption and weight loss associated with sicca syndrome. Endoscopi c and x-ray examinations showed normal macroscopic mucosa in gastrointestin al tract (GIT), Immunohistochemistry showed diffuse polyclonal T cell lymph ocytes infiltrating either epithelium and lamina propria in GIT, There was no villous atrophy in the jejunum and ileum. Corticosteroids, azathioprine, and cyclosporine failed to improve symptoms, Monthly intravenous ciclophos phamide administered over 1 yr, stopped the diarrhea and weight loss. The p atient is free of symptoms up to a 5-yr follow-up. (C) 1998 by Am. Cell. of Gastroenterology.