ISCHEMIC CHOROIDOPATHY IN PRIMARY SJOGRENS-SYNDROME

Purpose: The authors describe a 68-year-old woman in whom ischemic cho roidopathy and optic neuropathy developed in association with primary Sjogren's syndrome with central nervous system involvement. Methods: D iagnosis of primary Sjogren's syndrome was made upon the association o f keratoconjunctivitis sicca, minor salivary gland biopsy and serologi c abnormalities. Fluorescein angiography showed signs highly suggestiv e of ischemic choroidopathy. The authors discuss differential diagnosi s and pathophysiology of such choroidal manifestations. Treatment cons isted in massive steroid therapy. Secondarily, an immunosuppressant ag ent (azathioprine) was successfully added because of neurological recu rrences. Conclusion: Primary Sjogren's syndrome should be considered i n the differential diagnosis of ischemic choroidopathy.