The EchoPR study is an exploratory pathophysiology, cross-sectional, case-control study.~The aim is to study the echo-structure of the salivary glands of patients with RA ( group of 70 patients), in comparison to patients with SS (suspected of strong alteration of the echo-structure)(group of 70 patients) and patients with sicca, asthenia, polyalgia syndrome (SAPS)(group of 70 patients).~After a standard consultation with the rheumatologist, patients in each group will have an salivary gland ultrasound to assess the homogeneity of the echostructure of the parotid and submandibular salivary glands. A salivary flow measurement for 15 minutes and a Schirmer test to determine tear secretion for 5 minutes are also performed. All of these tests are performed during a single visit, so the total study time for the patient is one hour. Patient recruitment is expected to last 1 year.
The prevalence of Sjogren's syndrome (SS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients varies from 3.5 to 31%. Between 30% and 90% of patients with (RA) have dry eye and/or mouth syndrome. To date, no studies have assessed whether RA patients have echostructural changes in their salivary glands suggestive of SS and the factors associated with these changes.The aim of this study is to investigate if there are changes in the echostructure of the salivary glands of RA patients, especially in patients with dry syndrome.