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Introduction <p>Minor salivary gland biopsy is a reliable method for diagnosing autoimmune diseases, especially Sjogren’s syndrome. A focus score ≥ 1 is accepted as a positive biopsy criterion and may indicate systemic autoimmunity. This study aimed to evaluate the association between clinical symptoms, serological markers (ANA, RF, Anti-SSA/SSB), and histopathological findings in patients with a focus score ≥ 1.</p> Materials and Methods <p>Seventy-three patients who underwent minor salivary gland biopsy between 2020 and 2025 due to dry mouth were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified as “positive” (focus score ≥ 1) or “negative” (&lt; 1). Clinical symptoms, antibody profiles, and demographic features were compared using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests, with <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05 considered significant.</p> Results <p>The mean age was 43.8 years in the positive group (<i>n</i> = 14) and 52.4 years in the negative group (<i>n</i> = 55). ANA positivity was significantly higher in the positive group (85.7% vs. 28.8%; <i>p</i> = 0.003). RF positivity also differed markedly (71.4% vs. 12.7%; <i>p</i> = 0.0003). Anti-SSA/SSB positivity was 42.9% versus 10.9% (<i>p</i> = 0.021).</p> Conclusion <p>Patients with a focus score ≥ 1 show significantly higher ANA and RF positivity. Although Anti-SSA/SSB positivity is less prominent, some seronegative patients were still diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome based on comprehensive clinical evaluation. Therefore, biopsy remains valuable in suspected cases regardless of serological status and contributes meaningfully to diagnosis in otorhinolaryngology practice.</p>

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Correlation of Clinical and Histopathological Findings in Patients with Sjogren’s Syndrome with Focal Score ≥ 1 on Small Salivary Gland Biopsy: A Retrospective Evaluation

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月22日

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  • Hasan Sami Bircan,
  • Senanur Erdem,
  • Goncagül Arslan Koşargelir,
  • Burak Arpacı,
  • Ozan Özdemir

摘要

Introduction

Minor salivary gland biopsy is a reliable method for diagnosing autoimmune diseases, especially Sjogren’s syndrome. A focus score ≥ 1 is accepted as a positive biopsy criterion and may indicate systemic autoimmunity. This study aimed to evaluate the association between clinical symptoms, serological markers (ANA, RF, Anti-SSA/SSB), and histopathological findings in patients with a focus score ≥ 1.

Materials and Methods

Seventy-three patients who underwent minor salivary gland biopsy between 2020 and 2025 due to dry mouth were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified as “positive” (focus score ≥ 1) or “negative” (< 1). Clinical symptoms, antibody profiles, and demographic features were compared using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

The mean age was 43.8 years in the positive group (n = 14) and 52.4 years in the negative group (n = 55). ANA positivity was significantly higher in the positive group (85.7% vs. 28.8%; p = 0.003). RF positivity also differed markedly (71.4% vs. 12.7%; p = 0.0003). Anti-SSA/SSB positivity was 42.9% versus 10.9% (p = 0.021).

Conclusion

Patients with a focus score ≥ 1 show significantly higher ANA and RF positivity. Although Anti-SSA/SSB positivity is less prominent, some seronegative patients were still diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome based on comprehensive clinical evaluation. Therefore, biopsy remains valuable in suspected cases regardless of serological status and contributes meaningfully to diagnosis in otorhinolaryngology practice.