THE SILENT AUTOIMMUNE: SJÖGREN'S SYNDROME IN A YOUNG MALE

Dr. Ghatage Dipak D., *Dr. Chatse Pradhnya M., Dr. Dhobley Akshay A., Dr. Rajput Dinesh V., Dr. Dannar Sunil D., Dr. Phalguni Arora

ABSTRACT

Background: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune exocrinopathy primarily targeting salivary and lacrimal glands. Its occurrence in young males is uncommon, and its association with hypokalemic paralysis mediated by distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) type 1 is an exceptionally rare and diagnostically challenging presentation. Anti-Jo-1 antibody positivity further distinguishes this case as a unique overlap with inflammatory myopathy. Case Presentation: We report a 27-year-old male who presented with dry eyes and dry mouth, with a prior hospitalization for hypokalemic quadriplegia. Ophthalmological assessment confirmed severe bilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca (Schirmer's test:

Keywords: Sjögren's syndrome; hypokalemic quadriplegia; Anti-Jo-1 antibody; minor salivary gland biopsy; keratoconjunctivitis sicca; seronegative.