Lung manifestation in asymptomatic patients with primary Sjogren syndrome:Assessment with high resolution CT and pulmonary function tests

The authors studied 37 consecutive patients with primary Sjogren syndrome a nd normal chest radiographs. Thin-section CT images were analyzed using a s emiquantitative grading system. The presence, distribution, and severity of 9 morphologic parameters were assessed. In 34 patients, CT findings were c orrelated to pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Abnormal high resolution CT (HRCT) findings were seen in 24 of 37 patients (65%): interlobular septal thickening, n = 9; micronodules, n = 9: ground g lass attenuation n = 4; parenchymal cysts, n = 5. Intralobular opacities, h oney combing, bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis, and pleural irregu larities were less frequent. Both HRCT and PFTs were normal in 10 patients. Computed tomography was normal in four patients with PFTs that indicated t he presence of small airway disease. High resolution CT abnormalities were found in seven patients with normal P FT. The overall correlation between HRCT and PFTs was poor. High resolution CT and PFTs appear to be sensitive for both the early detection of parench ymal abnormalities and a decreases in lung function in asymptomatic patient s with primary Sjogren syndrome. However, abnormal HRCT findings do not nec essarily indicate a substantial alteration in PFTs.