Acquired generalized hypohidrosis/anhidrosis with subclinical Sjogren's syndrome: Report of a case with diffuse syringolymphoid hyperplasia and lymphocytic sialadenitis

The pathogenesis and the underlying pathologic changes of acquired generalized hypohidrosis/anhidrosis (AGHA) are largely unknown. We studied a case of AGHA in a young woman suffering from heat intolerance and progressive loss of sweating. Pathologic study of affected skin revealed unique syringolymphoid hyperplasia with T cell infiltration, suggesting a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. The patient also had subclinical Sjogren's syndrome and diffuse hair loss. The pathogenesis of the latter two conditions is believed to be related to the patient's AGHA.