Sicca syndrome and HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis

Purpose: The objective of this study is to describe the clinical and immuno logical aspects observed in patients with both human T-cell lymphotropic vi rus type I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis and ocular dr yness. Methods: In 15 such patients, clinical and biological examinations complete d with a biopsy of secondary salivary glands were performed to assess the e tiology of the ocular dryness. Results: Histological study of the biopsy specimens indicated that 80% of t he patients had grade 3 or grade 4 lesions, according to the Chisholm scale . Polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia was found in 60% of patients and lympho cytic alveolitis in 80%. Three patients had past medical history of chronic uveitis. Conclusions: All findings in these patients were compatible with Sjogren's syndrome; however, no immunological disorders characteristic of the syndrom e were found. Tests for antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor proved negative in all cases. (C) 1999 Japanese Ophthalmological Society.