Uveal effusion syndrome with Sjögren’s syndrome initially presenting as acute glaucoma with angle closure: case report

We report a case of non‑nanophthalmic uveal effusion syndrome (UES) associated with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), which initially manifested as acute secondary angle‑closure glaucoma in a patient with pre‑existing primary open‑angle glaucoma. A 53‑year‑old congenitally deaf‑mute male patient presented with acute secondary angle‑closure glaucoma characterized by markedly elevated intraocular pressure, sudden vision loss, together with ciliary‑body, choroidal, and retinal detachment. Subsequent work‑up confirmed non‑nanophthalmic uveal effusion syndrome. Owing to verbal communication impairment, the patient could not self‑report classic sicca symptoms including dry eyes or dry mouth. Laboratory testing demonstrated positive serum anti‑SSA antibody, rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody (ANA), together with abnormal Schirmer test results, supporting a diagnosis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Non‑nanophthalmic uveal effusion syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis for bilateral acute secondary angle‑closure glaucoma with ciliochoroidal effusion. When UES occurs without nanophthalmos, trauma, surgical insult, medication‑related triggers, or obvious intraocular inflammation, clinicians should screen for underlying systemic autoimmune conditions such as primary Sjögren’s syndrome, even among patients unable to communicate classic sicca symptoms. This single‑case observation cannot establish definitive causal linkage between primary Sjögren’s syndrome and UES, but highlights this potential clinical association.