Sjögren's syndrome in women presenting with chronic dyspareunia.

OBJECTIVE

To identify cases of Sjögren's syndrome among women with chronic dyspareunia who did not already have a diagnosed rheumatological disorder.

DESIGN

Prospective recruitment over 12 months.

SETTING

Tertiary referral service for the assessment of vulval disease.

PARTICIPANTS

Women with chronic dyspareunia who had musculoskeletal symptoms, Raynaud's phenomenon or symptoms of ocular or oral dryness.

METHODS

The women underwent a Schirmer tear test and a comprehensive auto-antibody screen including latex fixation test for rheumatoid factor, antinuclear, anti-Ro, anti-La and anti-salivary duct antibodies. A labial salivary gland biopsy and vaginal biopsy were taken for routine histological analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cases of definite and probable Sjögren's syndrome were identified using the European criteria.

RESULTS

Eleven women were assessed for features of Sjögren's syndrome. Four had definite primary Sjögren's syndrome, two had probable primary Sjögren's syndrome and one had probable secondary Sjögren's syndrome. Among these seven women the median duration of vaginal symptoms was seven years (range 0.25-20), of ocular symptoms was one year (range 0.25-2) and of oral symptoms was 1.5 years (range 0-6). In all but one woman dyspareunia presented before ocular or oral symptoms, often by many years.

CONCLUSIONS

Although well-recognised as a feature of established Sjögren's syndrome, this study emphasises that chronic dyspareunia can be a presenting feature in these women, antedating the emergence of ocular or oral symptoms by many years. Symptoms of ocular or oral dryness, Raynaud's phenomenon or musculoskeletal symptoms should be sought in women with chronic dyspareunia to identify those who merit further investigation.