sic·ca complex (s k  )n. Dryness of the mucous membranes, as of the eyes and mouth, in the absence of a connective tissue disease. |
sicca complex
[sik′ə]
abnormal dryness of the mouth, eyes, or other mucous membranes. The condition is seen in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, and deficiencies of vitamins A and C.
sicca complex
Symptoms related to generalized mucosal drying, affecting Eyes–xeroconjunctivitis due to ↓ tears, thick, 'ropy' secretions on the inner canthus, foreign body–tired, itchy, sandy sensation, ↓ visual
acuity Mouth–xerostomia with ↓ salivation due to lymphocyte infiltration and duct obstruction, with soreness, adhesion of food to mucosa, 'cracker' sign, angular cheilitis, lingual fissuring, acceleration of caries. Cf
Dry eye, Dry mouth.
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