Question:

A middle-aged woman presents with dry eyes and dry mouth. Laboratory tests reveal positive anti-Ro (SSA) and anti-La (SSB) antibodies. What is the most likely underlying pathological mechanism?

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Sjogren syndrome = dry eyes, dry mouth, anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, and lymphocytic destruction of exocrine glands.
Updated On: Aug 27, 2026
  • Destruction of exocrine glands by neutrophils
  • IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction
  • Lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of salivary and lacrimal glands
  • Deposition of amyloid in salivary glands
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Dry eyes and dry mouth with anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies suggest Sjogren syndrome. The pathology involves autoimmune lymphocytic destruction of exocrine glands.

Step 1:
Identify the syndrome.
The symptoms are: \[ \text{Dry eyes + dry mouth} \] This is sicca syndrome, commonly due to Sjogren syndrome.

Step 2:
Use antibody clue.
Anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies are classically associated with Sjogren syndrome.

Step 3:
Understand mechanism.
The mechanism is lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of salivary and lacrimal glands. Therefore, the correct answer is Lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of salivary and lacrimal glands.
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