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Antibodies directed to the thyroid gland can be detected in approximately 50% of people diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome while only half of these patients demonstrate abnormalities on thyroid function tests. Various thyroid abnormalities, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis (a type of autoimmune thyroid disease) and hypothyroidism have been associated with Sjogren's syndrome. It is estimated that approximately 10% of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease may have Sjogren's syndrome.

To read more about thyroid disease and Sjogren's syndrome, please click on the following link: http://www.medifocus.com/abstracts.php?gid=RH011&ID=17558463

Laryngeal Symptoms

Lesions of the vocal cords have been associated with Sjogren's syndrome and can cause hoarseness which in rare cases may be the first indication of Sjogren's syndrome. Conditions associated with these lesions include:

• Bamboo node - this is an unusual white or yellow transverse lesion typically located in the middle third of the vocal cord. It is most frequently associated with autoimmune diseases.
• Vocal cord nodules

Otologic Symptoms

Some patients with Sjogren's syndrome demonstrate a mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss of high frequency sounds. The connection to Sjogren's syndrome pathology is not well understood.

For more information about extraglandular involvement in Sjogren's syndrome, please click on the following link: http://www.medifocus.com/abstracts.php?gid=RH011&ID=16039337