Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. It also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is rheumatoid factor positive in 90 percent of cases.

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Stones???

mseaton
mseaton
Oh please do not tell me this is another symptom and possibility with SJS. I have not heard this before. I fear there is no end to this syndrome? Can someone explain this aspect of the stones to me.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Mine escaped the gland now I have about 2 cm worth of tiny stones stuck in the length wharton's duct. I'm debating on when or if I'll get the duct dilated to try and get some of them out - and per ENT, can't guarantee she'd be able to get them all.

What questions do you have about stones? Mine are in the submandibular. I also did a post about stones if you can find it. Lot's of info in there.
mseaton
mseaton
I have never read about stones forming anywhere. I am assuming they form in glands around the sinus? I know nothing about the anatomy of the bodies glands. I will start researching this too. I am just stunned. There seems more and more to this all the time.
deleted_user
deleted_user
They typically form in the submandibular salivary glands. They're calculi like in a kidney stone. They rarely occur in the parotid gland but they can. There's documentation of this on the web.

If you do suspect stones you will need a CT scan to confirm that. Make sure your ENT views them with a radiologist as they have different windows to view them and they are easiy missed. My first ENT missed it - he didn't take the time to review them with a radiologist. Also, CT scan should be done without contrast. Using the dye can cause the stones to shift - be pushed back in places where they can't be removed (if it comes to that.)
Tom59
Tom59
They are rare for sure. I had a clogged gland just under my tongue they cleared it and it 's been fine since. That was 15-16 yrs ago now....

Not so sure it's SjS related though. Mine was simple they stuck some instrument in there and he squeezed it.

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Salivary-Gland-Disorders.htm
deleted_user
deleted_user
It sounds like your Wharton's duct was opened & drained. (I had that done too.) Both submandilar glands drain out from each side out to the duct opening under the tongue. If a gland gets really dried up or thick and doesn't pass enough saliva through the duct, the duct can get gluey and stick together. That causes very painful flares... as well as stones.

Have to be careful about having that done to as if there are stones in the duct the instrument that runs the length of the duct can push them back.