Morfea lineal en golpe de sable: a propósito de un caso / Linear morphea in saber coup: about a case

La morfea lineal en golpe de sable es una entidad dermatológica caracterizada por la inflamación esclerosante y progresiva del tejido cutáneo en la región frontal y/o en el cuero cabelludo. La cefalea y las crisis convulsivas son dos de los síntomas extracutáneos más frecuentes y están causados por el crecimiento subyacente de la lesión. Es importante un diagnóstico temprano para frenar la progresión e intentar evitar las complicaciones secundarias, principalmente neurológicas. El diagnóstico se basa en el cuadro clínico y el estudio histológico, que permite la confirmación definitiva. El tratamiento de elección es la terapia combinada con corticoides orales y metotrexato. Aun con el tratamiento farmacológico adecuado, esta patología puede presentar un curso recidivante y dejar secuelas a largo plazo. Se presenta el caso de una niña en quien se realizó un diagnóstico rápido de esta enfermedad, a pesar de un cuadro clínico inespecífico. Fue tratada con metotrexato oral con buena respuesta, sin efectos secundarios.

Linear morphea in coup de sabre is a dermatological entity characterized by progressive, sclerosing inflammation of the skin tissue in the frontal region and on the scalp. Headache and seizures are two of the most frequent extracutaneous symptoms and they are caused by the growth of the lesion towards underlying structures. An early diagnosis is important to stop cranial progression and try to avoid secondary complications, mainly neurological. The diagnosis is relied on compatible clinical signs and a pathological study that allows a definitive confirmation. The treatment of choice is combination therapy with oral corticosteroids and methotrexate. Despite an adequate pharmacological treatment, this pathology can present a recurrent course and cause long-term sequelae. We present the case of a girl who was diagnosed quickly, despite a not very noticeable symptoms. She has been treated with oral methotrexate with a good response, without side effect

Morfeas con manifestaciones cefálicas / Morpheas with cephalic manifestations

Introducción: La hemiatrofia facial progresiva (HFP) o síndrome de Parry-Romberg y la morfea en golpe de sable (MGS) forman parte de las morfeas lineales cefálicas. Son enfermedades inflamatorias crónicas de la piel y tejidos subyacentes, que se caracterizan por esclerosis y atrofia cutánea. Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas, manifestaciones asociadas, histología, laboratorio, estudios complementarios y tratamientos instaurados. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron las historias clínicas de pacientes con morfea evaluados en el Sector Colagenopatías desde julio de 2010 hasta diciembre de 2016. Resultados: De 56 pacientes, 11 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, 7 con diagnóstico de HFP, 2 con MGS y 2 con ambas patologías. El 64% fueron mujeres. Las manifestaciones extracutáneas se presentaron en el 64% de los casos. El tratamiento utilizado en todos los pacientes fue el metotrexato, asociado o no, al uso de corticosteroides sistémicos. Conclusiones: La mayoría de nuestros resultados concuerdan con la bibliografía consultada, excepto las manifestaciones asociadas. Destacamos el tratamiento asociado de metotrexato y pulsos de corticosteroides intravenosos con resultados satisfactorios y bien tolerado. (AU)

Introduction: Progressive facial hemiatrophy (PFH) or Parry-Romberg Syndrome and morphea en coup de sabre are cephalic linear morpheas. They are chronics inflammatories diseases of the skin and underlying tissues, characterized by cutaneous atrophy and sclerosis. Objectives: To describe clinical features, associated extracutaneous manifestations, histological and laboratory findings, imaging and diagnostic modalities and treatments established in patients with diagnosis of HFP, MGS, or both, evaluated in our Department. Design: Retrospective descriptive study. Materials and methods: We included medical histories of patients diagnosed with morphea evaluated in Collagenopathy Sector from July 2010 up to December 2016. Results: Of 56 patients, 11 met the inclusion criteria, 7 with diagnosis of PFH, 2 with morphea en coup de sabre and 2 with both pathologies. 64% were women. 64% showed extracutaneous manifestations. The treatment used in all of the patients was methotrexate, associated or not, with the use of systemic corticosteroids. Conclusions: Most of our results agree with the bibliography consulted, with the exception of the associated manifestations. We emphasize the associated treatment of methotrexate and intravenous corticosteroid pulses with satisfactory results and well tolerated. (AU)

Coexistence of morphea and granuloma annulare: a rare case report

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Localized scleroderma (morphea) is characterized by fibrosis of skin and subcutaneous tissue. Granuloma annulare is a relatively common disease that is characterized by dermal papules and arciform plaques. CASE REPORT: Here, we present the case of a 42-year-old woman who developed granuloma annulare on the dorsum of her feet and abdominal region, and morphea on the anterior side of her lower limbs. We also discuss the etiological and pathogenetic processes that may cause the rare coexistence of these two diseases. CONCLUSION: Only a few cases in the literature have described coexistence of morphea and granuloma annulare.

Esophageal abnormalities in juvenile localized scleroderma: is it associated with other extracutaneous manifestations? / Anormalidades esofágicas na esclerodermia localizada juvenil: associação com outras manifestações extracutâneas?

Abstract Objective: To assess esophageal involvement (EI) in juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS) population and the possible association between this gastrointestinal manifestation and demographic data, clinical features, laboratory exams, treatments and outcomes. Methods: For a period of 30 years, 5881 patients with rheumatic diseases were followed in our Pediatric Rheumatology Division. EI was defined by the presence of symptoms (solid/liquid dysphagia, heartburn, esophageal regurgitation, nausea/vomiting and epigastralgia) and confirmed by at least one EI exam abnormality: barium contrast radiography, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and 24-hour esophageal pH-monitoring. Results: JLS was observed in 56/5881 patients (0.9%), mainly linear morphea subtype. EI was observed in 23/56(41%) of JLS patients. Eight(35%) of 23 EI patients with JLS were symptomatic and presented heartburn(5/8), solid and liquid dysphagia(3/8), nausea and epigastralgia(1/8). The frequency of any cumulative extracutaneous manifestations (calcinosis, arthritis/arthralgia, central nervous system, interstitial pneumonitis, mesangial nephritis and/or arrhythmia) was significantly higher in JLS patients with EI compared to those without this complication (56% vs. 24%, p = 0.024). No differences were evidenced in demographic data, JLS subtypes and in each extracutaneous manifestation in both groups (p > 0.05). The frequency of methotrexate use was significantly higher in JLS patients with EI compared to those without (52% vs. 12%, p = 0.002). Autoantibody profile (antinuclear antibodies, anti-SCL-70, rheumatoid factor, anticentromere, anti-cardiolipin, anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB) was similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that EI was frequently observed in JLS patients, mainly in asymptomatic patients with linear subtype. EI occurred in JLS patients with other extracutaneous manifestations and required methotrexate therapy.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar o envolvimento do esôfago (EE) na população com esclerodermia localizada juvenil (ELJ) e a possível associação entre essa manifestação gastrointestinal e dados demográficos, características clínicas, exames laboratoriais, tratamentos e desfechos. Métodos: Durante 31 anos, 5.881 pacientes com doenças reumáticas foram acompanhados em nossa Divisão de Reumatologia Pediátrica. O EE foi definido pela presença de sintomas (disfagia para sólidos/líquidos, azia, regurgitação esofágica, náuseas/vômitos e epigastralgia) e confirmado com pelo menos um exame que revelou EE: radiografia contrastada com bário, endoscopia digestiva alta e pHmetria esofágica de 24 horas. Resultados: Observou-se ELJ em 56/5.881 pacientes (0,9%), principalmente do subtipo morfeia linear. O EE foi observado em 23/56 (41%) dos pacientes com ELJ. Oito (35%) dos 23 pacientes com ELJ com EE eram sintomáticos e apresentavam azia (5/8), disfagia para sólidos e líquidos (3/8), náuseas e epigastralgias (1/8). A frequência de quaisquer manifestações extracutâneas cumulativas (calcinose, artrite/artralgia, envolvimento do sistema nervoso central, pneumonite intersticial, nefrite mesangial e/ou arritmias) foi significativamente maior em pacientes com ELJ com EE em comparação com aqueles sem essa complicação (56% vs. 24%, p = 0,024). Não foi evidenciada diferença nos dados demográficos, subtipos de ELJ e quaisquer manifestações extracutâneas entre os grupos (p > 0,05). A frequência de uso de metotrexato foi significativamente maior em pacientes com ELJ com EE em comparação com aqueles sem EE (52% vs. 12%, p = 0,002). O perfil de autoanticorpos (anticorpos antinucleares, anti-SCL-70, fator reumatoide, anticentrômero, anticardiolipina, anti-Ro/SSA e anti-La/SSB) foi semelhante nos dois grupos (p > 0,05). Conclusões: Este estudo demonstrou que o EE foi frequentemente observado em pacientes com ELJ, principalmente naqueles assintomáticos com o subtipo linear da doença. O EE ocorreu em pacientes com ELJ com outras manifestações extracutâneas e exigiu tratamento com metotrexato.

Lichen sclerosus associated with localized scleroderma: dermoscopy contribution

Abstract: Lichen sclerosus is an uncommon inflammatory dermatosis with preferential involvement of the urogenital region. The extragenital involvement is uncommon and is characterized by small rounded macules or papules, pearly white in color. The coexistence of lichen sclerosus and scleroderma plaques in most cases with extragenital location has been reported in the literature. We report a case of lichen sclerosus associated with scleroderma in children, highlighting the importance of dermoscopy in diagnosis.

Morfeia generalizada em uma criança com ictiose arlequim, uma associação rara / Generalized morphea in a child with harlequin ichthyosis: a rare association

Resumo Introdução Ictiose arlequim é uma doença cutânea congênita grave, autossômica e rara, caracterizada por ressecamento excessivo da pele e hiperqueratose. A associação de ictiose com esclerose sistêmica foi descrita em apenas três crianças. Ainda não foi descrito nenhum paciente com morfeia generalizada (MG) associada à ictiose arlequim. Relato de caso: Menina de quatro anos e seis meses de idade com diagnóstico de ictiose arlequim baseado em espessamento cutâneo difuso, com fissuras, descamação, eritema e sangramento da lesão desde as primeiras horas de vida. A paciente foi tratada com acitretina (1,0 mg/kg/dia) e creme emoliente. Aos três anos e nove meses, desenvolveu contraturas musculares com dor à movimentação e limitação nos cotovelos e joelhos e placas esclerodérmicas difusas no abdômen, nas costas, na região suprapúbica e nas extremidades inferiores. A biópsia de pele mostrou epiderme retificada e hiperqueratose leve, derme reticular com linfócitos, infiltrado mononuclear perivascular e perianexial e esclerose da derme reticular e glândula sudorípara rodeada por um tecido colágeno denso, compatível com esclerodermia. A paciente preencheu os critérios para o subtipo MG. Metotrexato e prednisona foram introduzidos. Aos quatro anos e três meses, apresentou novas lesões esclerodérmicas, associando-se azatioprina à terapêutica anterior, sem resposta após dois meses. Discussão: Um caso de ictiose arlequim associada à MG foi descrito. O tratamento dessas duas condições é um desafio e requer uma equipe multidisciplinar.

Abstract Introduction: Harlequin ichthyosis (HI) is a severe and rare hereditary congenital skin disorder characterized by excessive dryness, ectropion and eclabion. The association of ichthyosis with systemic sclerosis has been described in only three children. No patient with generalized morphea (GM) associated with harlequin ichthyosis was described. Case report: A 4-years and 6-months girl, diagnosed with harlequin ichthyosis based on diffuse cutaneous thickening, scaling, erythema, ectropion and eclabium since the first hours of birth was described. She was treated with acitretin (1.0 mg/kg/day) and emollient cream. At 3 years and 9 months, she developed muscle contractures with pain on motion and limitation in elbows and knees, and diffuse sclerodermic plaques on the abdomen, back, suprapubic area and lower limbs. Skin biopsy showed rectified epidermis and mild hyperorthokeratosis, reticular dermis with perivascular and periadnexal infiltrates of lymphocytes and mononuclear cells, and reticular dermis and sweat gland sclerosis surrounded by a dense collagen tissue, compatible with scleroderma. The patient fulfilled the GM subtype criteria. Methotrexate and prednisone were introduced. At 4 years and 3 months, new scleroderma lesions occurred and azathioprine was associated with previous therapy, with no apparent changes after two months. Discussion: A case of harlequin ichthyosis associated with a GM was reported. The treatment of these two conditions is a challenge and requires a multidisciplinary team.

Esclerodermia localizada: serie de casos en un hospital general y revisión de la literatura / Localized scleroderma: cases report in a general hospital and literature review

La esclerodermia localizada o morfea es una entidad inflamatoria que se caracteriza por fibrosis de la piel y tejido subyacente, se manifiesta clínicamente por zonas induradas y delimitadas con un halo eritematovioláceo, que luego se tornan hipopigmentadas o hiperpigmentadas. Se recolectaron 11 casos de esclerodermia localizada en el periodo de 1990 a 2014 en el Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo de los cuales se excluyeron 4 por no presentar registros fotográficos. De Los 7 casos estudiados, uno correspondió a morfea circunscrita; cinco a morfea lineal, dentro de Los cuales se incluyeron dos casos de síndrome de Parry-Romberg que fueron seguidos desde el inicio de su enfermedad; una a morfea mixta y una a morfea panesclerótica. Correspondieron al sexo femenino 71 % de todos los casos, el rango de edad de los pacientes fue de 10 a 23 años y el tiempo promedio de evolución de su enfermedad desde el momento del diagnóstico fue de 3,9 años. Cinco (5) de Los pacientes presentaron evolución favorable, con remisión parcial de la enfermedad, y dos (2) pacientes, con síndrome de Parry-Romberg, fallecieron por complicaciones asociadas a la afectación neurológica.

Morphea or localized scleroderma is an inflammatory entity characterized by fibrosis of the skin and underlying tissue, is clinically manifested by areas thickened and delimited with a halo erythematous becoming then hypopigmented and hyperpigmented. Eleven cases of scleroderma in the period of 1990 to 2014 in the Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo from which we excluded 4 by not showing photographic records were collected. Of the 7 cases studied, one corresponded to circumscribed morphea; five a linear morphea, within which included two cases of Parry-Romberg syndrome who were followed from the beginning of his illness; a mixed morphea and one to pansclerotic morphea; 71 % of all cases corresponded to the female sex, the age of the patients ranged from 10 to 23 years and the average time of evolution of his disease from the time of diagnosis was 3,9 years. Five of the patients presented a positive evolution with partial remission of the disease and two patients, with Parry-Romberg syndrome, died of complications associated with the neurological compromise.

Presentación atípica de morfea tipo malformación vascular símil con síndrome Parry-Romberg secundario / Atypical presentation of vascular malformation morphea simile Parry-Romberg syndrome secondary

La Morfea es una forma de presentación clínica de la esclerodermia localizada, que generalmente se manifiesta como una placa eritematosa con un anillo lila que evoluciona a placa atrófica. Existen presentaciones atípicas de morfea en que al inicio la piel afectada simula ser una malformación vascular tipo nevus flameus o mancha en vino de oporto. El Síndrome Parry-Romberg corresponde a una morfea localizada que se caracteriza por hemiatrofia facial que afecta la funcionalidad de la cara y que puede comprometer piel, tejido muscular y hueso. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar, por medio de un caso clínico, una entidad rara de morfea que al inicio simula ser un nevusflameus. El nevus flameus adquirido es raro y requiere tiempo para que se inicien los cambios escleróticos. Se presenta el caso de un niño de 8 años que consultó por un cuadro atípico sospechoso de nevus flameus y que al cabo de 3 años evolucionó como una hemiatrofia facial progresiva. Los pacientes con diagnóstico de nevus flameus adquirido deberían monitorizarse en busca de signos de evolución a morfea y si la ubicación es en la cara siempre debe sospecharse un Síndrome Parry-Romberg para el inicio temprano de terapia y disminuir las consecuencias asociadas.

Morphea is a clinical presentation of the localized scleroderma, which usually manifests as an erythematous plaque with a purple halo that evolves to an atrophic plaque. There are atypical presentations of the morphea that, at the beginning, the affected skin simulates being a vascular malformation port wine stain simil. The Parry-Romberg Syndrome corresponds to a localized morphea that characterizes for showing a facial hemiatrophy that affects the facial functionality and may compromise the skin, muscular tissue and bones. The objective of this paper is to present, through a clinical case, a rare entity of the morphea that at the beginning simulates being a port wine stain. The acquired port wine stain is rare and requires some time to show sclerotic changes. A clinical case of an 8 years old patient that consulted for a suspicion of an atypical clinical picture of port wine stain and that after 3 years evolved in a progressive facial hemiatrophy is presented. The patients with an acquired port wine stain diagnosis should be monitored to find signs of an evolution to morphea and if it is located on the face there should always be a suspicion of a Parry Romberg syndrome in order to start earlier the therapy and reduce the associated consequences.

Scleroderma esophagus.

A 40 year-old female presented with gradual onset generalised swelling, followed by thickening of skin for one year. She had symmetrical polyarthritis and firm, shiny skin with areas of depigmentation and absence of normal skin wrinkling. She had flexion contracture of fingers, masked facies, difficulty in opening mouth and Raynoud’s phenomenon. She had dysphagia to solid for last two months with recurrent heartburn. ESR was 120mm/1st hr. ANF was positive. X-ray hands showed periarticular osteopenia. Barium swallow X-ray showed dilated distal esophagus with loss of peristaltic contractions and a stricture at lower end of esophagus. Fundic gas was visible (Fig. 1). Upper GI endoscopy excluded any malignancy but showed features of reflux esophagitis with a stricture at lower esophagus causing difficulty in passing the endoscope through it. The esophagus is involved in 50-90% of patients of scleroderma.1 Smooth muscle atrophy and fibrosis lead to thinness and weakening in lower two-third of esophagus and incompetence of lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The proximal one third with its striated muscle is spared. The commonest manifestation is reflux esophagitis, which may be complicated by peptic stricturing near the junction with stomach. Dysphagia occurs due to esophageal dysmotility or stricture. Barium swallow X-ray shows dilatation and loss of peristaltic contractions in lower esophagus. LES is patulous. Esophageal mucosal ulceration and stricture may be visible. Manometry shows decreased amplitude or absence of peristaltic waves in lower esophagus. Resting pressure of LES is subnormal, but sphincter relaxation is normal. The differential diagnosis, achalasia shows esophageal dilatation with persistent beaklike narrowing of terminal esophagus due to non-relaxing LES. Chest X-ray shows absence of gastric air bubble and an air-fluid level in mediastinum on erect posture. Manometry shows normal or elevated resting pressure of LES and elevated resting pressure in esophageal body. Management of scleroderma esophagus includes proton pump inhibitors and dietary adjustments with soft foods. Bougie dilatation may be required for stricture. REFERENCE Kahan A, Menkes CJ. Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis.Clin Dermatol 1994;12:259-65.

Childhood sclerodermatomyositis with generalized morphea.

Systemic sclerosis (SS) and dermatomyositis (DM) are both multisystem disorders and share some common clinical features. We report here an 11 year-old girl whose disease showed a changing clinical pattern from juvenile systemic sclerosis (JSS) to slowly progressing juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and had associated generalized morphea. Serological studies revealed antinuclear antibodies (ANA) with a speckled pattern. Topoisomerase-I (Scl-70), U1 RNP (ribonucleoprotein), anti-Ro, anti-La and anti Jo-1 antibody tests were negative. Electromyography (EMG) was suggestive of primary muscle disease and histopathological findings indicated scleroderma. The patient fulfilled the American College Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria for JSS as well as Bohan and Peter criteria for JDM separately and hence, was diagnosed to have sclerodermatomyositis (SDM). Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and antisynthetase antibody syndrome (ASS) which share same clinical features with SS and DM were excluded by immunological studies.

Hodgkin's disease and scleroderma.

We report here the uncommon association between scleroderma and Hodgkin's disease in a 42 years male.

Decreased nailfold capillary density in limited scleroderma with pulmonary hypertension.

Approximately 20% of patients with the limited form of scleroderma will develop pulmonary hypertension which is generally a late stage fatal complication. Why pulmonary hypertension occurs in this subset of patients is unknown and it has not been possible to predict which patients are at risk. Nailfold capillary dilatation, distortion and drop occurs universally in patients with scleroderma and is generally an early finding. The present study was conducted to investigate whether quantitative nailfold capillaroscopy could distinguish those limited scleroderma patients who have established pulmonary hypertension. Quantitative nailfold capillaroscopy was performed by Visual Image Analysis in 10 healthy subjects and 20 patients with limited scleroderma (18 centromere +ve), of whom 8 had established pulmonary hypertension. It was found that scleroderma patients with pulmonary hypertension had a significant reduction in capillary density compared with patients lacking this complication (p < 0.01). Patients with scleroderma have significantly more dilated capillaries than controls although no significant differences were observe between the two patient subgroups. The finding of reduced nailfold capillary density in scleroderma patients with established pulmonary hypertension has possible pathogenic significance and may allow detection of this subgroup at an early stage in their disease progression.

Positive IgG Western Blot for Borrelia burgdorferi in Colombia

In order to evaluate the presence of specific IgG antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in patients with clinical manifestations associated with Lyme borreliosis in Cali, Colombia, 20 serum samples from patients with dermatologic signs, one cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample from a patient with chronic neurologic and arthritic manifestations, and twelve serum samples from individuals without clinical signs associated with Lyme borreliosis were analyzed by IgG Western blot. The results were interpreted following the recommendations of the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) for IgG Western blots. Four samples fulfilled the CDC criteria: two serum specimens from patients with morphea (localized scleroderma), the CSF from the patient with neurologic and arthritic manifestations, and one of the controls. Interpretation of positive serology for Lyme disease in non-endemic countries must be cautious. However these results suggest that the putative "Lyme-like" disease may correlate with positivity on Western blots, thus raising the possibility that a spirochete genospecies distinct from B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, or a Borrelia species other than B. burgdorferi sensu lato is the causative agent. Future work will focus on a survey of the local tick and rodent population for evidence of spirochete species that could be incriminated as the etiologic agent