An autoimmune disease that results_from attack of immune cells which destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. An autoimmune disorder affecting the salivary and lacrimal glands. Morphologically, it is characterized by the presence of lymphocytic and plasmacytic infiltrates which cause destruction of these glands. It results in dry mouth and dry eyes. It may be associated with the presence of other autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus. An autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the glands that produce tears and saliva. Sjögren syndrome is also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. The hallmark symptoms of Sjögren syndrome are dry mouth and dry eyes. In addition, Sjogren syndrome may cause skin, nose, and vaginal dryness. It also may affect other organs of the body including the kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and brain Chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease in which the salivary and lacrimal glands undergo progressive destruction by lymphocytes and plasma cells resulting in decreased production of saliva and tears. The primary form, often called sicca syndrome, involves both KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS SICCA and XEROSTOMIA. The secondary form includes, in addition, the presence of a connective tissue disease, usually rheumatoid arthritis.