Pulmonary Manifestations of Sjögren's Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, resulting in xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Beyond glandular involvement, systemic manifestations, particularly pulmonary complications, significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in affected individuals. Pulmonary complications in SS range broadly, encompassing interstitial lung conditions, airway inflammation, nodular formations, cystic abnormalities, and pulmonary hypertension. Diagnosis relies on high-resolution computed tomography, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and, in selected cases, histopathologic evaluation. We describe the cases of two patients with primary SS presenting with distinct pulmonary findings: one with an incidental pulmonary nodule and the other with organizing pneumonia on a background of cellular non-specific interstitial pneumonia. These presentations illustrate the clinical heterogeneity and diagnostic complexity of pulmonary involvement in SS. These cases highlight the importance of recognizing SS-related pulmonary complications, which may present subtly and require multidisciplinary evaluation. Increased awareness among healthcare providers and early diagnostic workup are essential to improve patient outcomes.