Exploring Overlap Syndromes: An Atypical Case of Multiple Sclerosis With Anti-Sjogren's Syndrome Type B Antibody.

Abstract

Evaluating patients with symptoms suggestive of demyelinating disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS) is common in both the inpatient and outpatient setting but may be difficult if atypical neurological symptoms are present. In this case, a 39-year-old female presented with new onset weakness and paresthesias. The patient reported 3 weeks of progressively worsening left face and hemibody numbness, along with gait abnormality. She was found to have absent lower extremity reflexes, unexpected imaging findings, and a positive anti-Sjogren's syndrome type B (SSB) antibody despite lacking the typical sicca symptoms associated with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). This case report underscores the diagnostic complexity of overlapping MS and SS, highlighting the need for a comprehensive differential diagnosis when atypical neurological symptoms are present. It also emphasizes the importance of considering autoimmune overlap syndromes in such cases, as the co-occurrence of these conditions can significantly impact both diagnosis and treatment strategies, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for optimal patient care.