Sjögren's Syndrome and Nodular Reticulum Cell Sarcoma

SJÖGREN'S syndrome is characterized by the clinical triad of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, xerostomia (with or without enlargement of the salivary glands), and rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases connective tissue disorders such as lupus erythematosus,1polyarteritis nodosa,2or scleroderma3may replace rheumatoid arthritis. Additional characteristic features include round cell infiltration of the salivary, lacrimal, and other exocrine glands, and the presence of multiple abnormal circulating globulins. The association of Sjögren's syndrome and malignant lymphoma has been recognized recently,4though the paucity of reported cases would suggest that it is rather uncommon. This report records the association of Sjögren's syndrome and nodular reticulum cell sarcoma in a patient dying after a profound hemolytic crisis with a markedly depressed serum complement level. Report of a Case A 78-year-old white woman had experienced burning of the eyes with the sensation of a foreign body, dryness of the mouth, and remittent enlargement