Correct!
5. All of the above
LIP is often seen in conjunction with a variety systemic disease, most notably HIV infection (or AIDS) and Sjögren’s syndrome although some cases remain idiopathic. Our patient’s human immunodeficiency virus serology was negative. The patient was questioned about rheumatologic symptoms and she denied joint pains and skin rashes, although she had mild mouth and eye dryness for many years. A rheumatology consult was obtained and a panel of serologic studies were obtained (Table 2).
Table 2. Serologic studies.
The rheumatology consultant was confident that the above serologic pattern was diagnostic of Sjögren’s syndrome. An open lung biopsy was discussed with the patient. Diagnosis of some interstitial lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis no longer requires an open lung biopsy. It was felt that in this case the classic serologic pattern and clinical findings were sufficient to make a presumptive diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome (5).
Treatment was discussed with the patient. She refused another course of prednisone because of the weight gain.
What alternative therapies to prednisone have established efficacy in lung disease secondary to Sjogren’s syndrome? (Click on the corect answer to be directed to the eighth and final page)