DOI: 10.12890/2026_006125

From breast mass to paralysis: lymphocytic mastitis as the sentinel manifestation of Sjögren’s syndrome

Authors

  • Khawla K. Alghanim Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Military Medical Complex (KFMMC), Dhahran, Saudi Arabi
  • Rana K. Almuqati Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Military Medical Complex (KFMMC), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
  • Hanan T. Albaqshi Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Military Medical Complex (KFMMC), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
  • Nayef S. Alahmadi Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Military Medical Complex (KFMMC), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

dr.khawla25@yahoo.com

Keywords

Sjögren’s syndrome, lymphocytic mastitis, hypokalaemic paralysis, distal renal tubular acidosis, autoimmune disease

Abstract

Sjögren’s syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease classically characterized by sicca symptoms; however, extra glandular manifestations may precede glandular involvement and, in rare cases, present as life threatening emergencies. We report a middle-aged patient who presented with acute flaccid paralysis due to severe hypokalaemia secondary to distal renal tubular acidosis, requiring intensive care admission. Notably, the patient had undergone breast excision two years earlier for a painful breast mass, with histopathology highly suggestive of lymphocytic mastitis, which was misdiagnosed and treated as a breast abscess. Subsequent immunological evaluation confirmed primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Prompt electrolyte correction and immunosuppressive therapy resulted in complete neurological recovery.

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References

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Published

2026-01-28

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026)

Categories

How to Cite

1.
Alghanim KK, Almuqati RK, Albaqshi HT, Alahmadi NS. From breast mass to paralysis: lymphocytic mastitis as the sentinel manifestation of Sjögren’s syndrome. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2026 Jan. 28 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];13(2). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/6125

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