Sicca syndrome

Sicca syndrome is a condition accompanying Sjögren's syndrome. It is an autoimmune disease with the formation of antibodies against the cells of the ducts of the salivary and lacrimal glands, followed by atrophy and reduced production of saliva and tears. The phenomena caused by this destruction are xerostomia (dry mouth) and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (burning in the eyes). Microscopically, a periductal and perivascular inflammatory  infiltrate (T-cell CD4+ and B-cell and plasma cells) can be found in the surrounding area. The final state after the destruction of the epithelium is fibrotization. Dryness of both mucous membranes leads to inflammatory infiltration and erosion (often even ulceration) of the cornea, oral and nasal cavity with subsequent atrophy.

Links

 * Dry eye syndrome