To assess salivary gland ultrasonography (US) as a diagnostic tool for secondary Sjögren syndrome (sSS) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Salivary gland US images from 30 patients with RA were graded using a validated semiquantitative scoring system. Sicca symptoms, oral health, and RA disease activity were assessed.
US changes consistent with SS were found in 40% of patients. Patients with higher US scores had more sicca symptoms as well as higher RA activity and poorer oral health.
Salivary gland US may aid the diagnosis of sSS in patients with RA.