Sjögren’s Syndrome, Lymphoma, and Kidney Disease: A Surprising Case

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own salivary and tear glands. It's rare for people with Sjögren’s to also have serious kidney issues like membranous glomerulonephritis, where the kidneys' filters get damaged. Even rarer is for these patients to develop cancer, such as Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).A 52-year-old woman with Sjögren’s syndrome first faced kidney trouble. She had dry eyes and mouth, and tests confirmed her Sjögren’s syndrome. More tests showed her kidney filters were leaking, which is what happens in membranous glomerulonephritis. Months later, her gut got a hole and filled with air, which is a serious situation. Doctors found out she also had Epstein-Barr virus-positive DLBCL. This case is unique because it’s the first time these three conditions—Sjögren’s syndrome, DLBCL, and membranous glomerulonephritis—were seen together in one patient. It's vital for doctors to be on the lookout for hidden cancers in Sjögren’s syndrome patients who also have kidney problems.