Clinical characteristics and results of patients who underwent minor salivary gland biopsy with the suspicion of Sjogren syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the value and accuracy of biopsy in diagnosing Sjogren syndrome (SS) by evaluating the results of patients who underwent mınor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) with the suspicion of SS. Material and Methods: The study was planned with a retrospective assessment of 127 patients with a biopsy performed for SS diagnosis. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients who underwent MSGB were recorded from their files. SS diagnosis was placed using the rating system according to 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria or based on expert opinion. Results: 113 patients met the ınclusion criteria. 72 patients diagnosed with SS. 56 were diagnosed according to the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria and 16 were diagnosed according to expert opinion. There were 57 patients with positive MSGB outcomes (55 SS, 2 not SS). There were 56 patients with MSGB negative outcomes (17 SS, 39 not SS). The sensitivity of MSGB for SS diagnosis was 76.4%, and the specificity was 95.1%. Conclusion: All of our patients had antibody test results, but the number of objective tests included in the classification criteria such as salivary flow rate and Schirmer was low. Although MSGB is considered an invasive technique, it appears to be safe technique as long as it is performed by experienced professionals. It will assist in the final decision for patients with SS suspicion and who cannot undergo other objective tests.