Primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) with central nervous system involvement may mimic the manifestations of multiple sclerosis (MS). The prevalence of PSS in MS patients varies in the published literature (0-16.6%), but has not yet been investigated in Asia, having a much lower MS prevalence than Western countries. Twelve consecutive patients presenting with a relapsing-remitting MS-like syndrome were recruited to assess the presence of PSS according to the American-European consensus group criteria. Six patients (50%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of PSS. The preliminary result suggests that PSS is an important differential diagnosis in patients with MS-like syndrome in Taiwan. The prevalence of 'pure MS' in Taiwan might be even lower than expected. A further large-scale study is warranted to confirm this finding in Taiwan as well as other Asian countries.
Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel