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

Lesiones ampollares en una paciente con morfea panesclerótica discapacitante de la infancia / Bullous lesions in a patient with panesclerotic morphea of the childhood

La morfea ampollar es un tipo enfrecente de esclerodermia localizada que se caracteriza por presentar ampollas sobre placas escleróticas. La presencia de este tipo de lesiones obliga a descartar la variante extraenital de liquen esclerodemias localizadas, es posible hallar ambas afecciones. Se describe el caso de una paciente de 19 años con diagnóstico de morfea panesclerótica y liquen escleroso ampollar.

Bollous morphea is an infreqent type of morphea characterized for developing bullae on sclerodermiformic plaques. The presence of bullae forces to discard lichen sclerosus, a disease that usually develops in the genital zone, the extragenital variant could belong to the same spectrum that localized sclerodermiformic diseases. We present a 19 year old female patient with the diagnosis of panesclerotic morphea and bullous lichen sclerosus.

Morfea panesclerótica incapacitante / Disabling panesclerotic morphea

La morfea panesclerótica incapacitante es una forma severa y rara de esclerodermia localizada, es una enfermedad inflamatoria e inmunomediada de etiología desconocida. Evoluciona con endurecimiento generalizado de la piel por la esclerosis progresiva de la dermis y tejido celular subcutáneo y el deterioro de las articulaciones, huesos, fascia y músculos. La respuesta terapéutica es pobre y la progresión de la enfermedad genera discapacidad física, disminución de la calidad de vida y complicaciones fatales. Presentamos un caso de un paciente que inició los primeros síntomas a los 7 años de edad, siendo diagnosticado con morfea panesclerótica incapacitante conforme evolución clínica e histología, evolucionando con empeoramiento clínico progresivo independiente de las terapias instituidas (AU)

Disabling panesclerotic morphea is a rare and severe form of localized scleroderma, an inflammatory and immune-mediated disease of unknown etiology. It evolves with generalized hardening of the skin due to progressive sclerosis of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue and involvement of joints, bones, fascias and muscles. The therapeutic response is poor and the progression of the disease leads to physical disability, decreased quality of life and fatal complications. We present a case of a patient whose first symptoms started at 7 years of age and was further diagnosed with disabling panesclerotic morphea according to clinical evolution and histology, evolving with progressive clinical worsening regardless of the therapies instituted (AU)

Morfea superficial / Superficial morphea

La morfea superficial es una variante rara de morfea que se distingue de la clásica tanto en la clínica como en la histopatología. Se caracteriza por máculas hipopigmentadas o hiperpigmentadas, con mínima o ninguna induración, sin síntomas asociados, contractura ni atrofia. En la histopatología, se observa un compromiso limitado a las fibras colágenas en la dermis reticular superficial. Se comunica el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico de morfea superficial tratada con fototerapia ultravioleta B y metotrexato.

Superficial morphea is a rare variant of morphea that is distinguished from the classic variant both clinically and histopathologically. It is characterized by hypo or hyperpigmented patches with minimal to no induration, without associated symptoms, without contracture or atrophy. At the histopathological level, a limited involvement of collagen fibers is observed at the level of the uperficial reticular dermis. The case of a patient with superficial morphea treated with ultraviolet B phototherapy and methotrexate is presented.

Esclerodermia localizada en Coup de Sabre: a propósito de un caso / Localized Scleroderma en Coup de Sabre: a case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: La esclerodermia localizada o morfea corresponde a una patología idiopática autoinmune que produce cambios escleróticos subcutáneos, que presenta diferencias con respecto a la esclerosis sistémica o esclerodermia. Un tipo de morfea lineal es la morfea "En Coup de Sabre" que consiste en la contracción y rigidez de la piel que culmina con una depresión de parte de la mitad del rostro, que puede asociarse a síntomas oftalmológicos y neurológicos. Aquí se describe un caso en un hombre joven con este tipo de morfea lineal. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Hombre de 23 años presenta lesión cutánea de morfología triangular en región frontal izquierda, por lo que decide consultar a dermatología, dónde se maneja con corticoides tópicos. Dos años después, la lesión sigue creciendo y se asocia a cefalea occipital, sin otros síntomas sistémicos. Se decide estudiar con biopsia, ecografía de cuero cabelludo y resonancia nuclear magnética (RNM) cerebral con gadolinio. Se diagnostica morfea en coup de sabre e indica tratamiento inmunosupresor. DISCUSIÓN: Dado que la Morfea en Coup de Sabre es una patología que compromete el rostro, es relevante realizar una derivación al oftalmólogo para evaluación de compromiso ocular y realizar una RNM para evaluación neurológica, en este caso ambos estudios resultaron negativos. El estudio serológico no es siempre necesario y debemos ser cautelosos en el uso de esta herramienta. Cuando existen dudas diagnósticas, se puede recurrir a una biopsia del tejido comprometido, la que debe incluir grasa subcutánea. La biopsia también ayuda para ver el grado de compromiso cutáneo que presenta el paciente. Con respecto al manejo, los corticoides tópicos son la elección para el manejo de lesiones agudas. El Metotrexato ha demostrado ser útil en lesiones agudas y profundas, asociado o no a corticoides.

INTRODUCTION: Localized scleroderma or morphea is an idiopathic autoimmune disorder that causes subcutaneous sclerotic changes and is different from systemic sclerosis or scleroderma. The morphea in "coup de Sabre" is a subtype of linear morphea that usually involves the forehead and scalp causing contraction and stiffness of the skin that culminates in a depression and that may be associated with ocular and neurological symptoms. We present a case of a young male patient with morphea in coup de sabre. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23 years old male patient presents with a skin lesion of triangular morphology in the left-frontal region. He was initially treated with topical corticosteroids, but had persistent growing of the skin lesion associated with new onset occipital headache. Ultrasound of the lesion as well as skin biopsy were performed confirming morphea in coup de sabre. Brain magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium was normal. Inmunosuppresive tratment was started. DISCUSSION: Morphea in Coup de sabre is an rare disease. It is more frequent in women and children. Because it involves the deep tissues of the face and forehead, it is relevant to rule out any ocular or neurological involvement. The serological study is usually not necessary and results are of uncertain interpretation. When the diagnosis is unclear, a biopsy of the compromised tissue may help to identify inflammation and/or atrophy and to evaluate the degree of activity of the lesion. Ultrasound is also an useful tool for evaluation of the activity of the skin lesion, comparable to biopsy. Regarding treatment, topical corticosteroids are the first line therapy for acute lesions. Methotrexate has proven to be useful in deeper active lesions, with or without corticosteroids. Finally, there is an important asociation between this type of lineal morphea and progressive hemifacial atrophy (Parry Romberg syndome), which may involve the brain and needs to be referred to the specialist as soon as possible.

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)

Morphea: a practical review of its diagnosis, classification and treatment

Morphea, or localized scleroderma, is a rare disease of the connective tissue that manifests itself with localized sclerosis of the skin and, in some cases, with extracutaneous manifestations. Its etiology is not fully understood, but it is believed that there is genetic predisposition, in addition to environmental triggering factors. Classification of the disease is not simple due to its multiple presentations; however, it is useful in order to define the treatment, which should be individualized and started early to avoid cosmetic and functional complications. In this review, we summarize the most important practical aspects of the classification, diagnostic methods and evaluation of morphea activity, as well as available therapeutic options, with an emphasis on existing clinical evidence regarding their efficacy and safety.

Manejo ortopédico de la esclerodermia lineal localizada en niños: reporte de un caso / Orthopedic management of localized linear scleroderma in children: a case report

Resumen: Introducción: La esclerodermia localizada es la forma de presentación de esclerosis más frecuente en niños; tiene una incidencia de 2.7 por cada 100,000 habitantes, con predilección por la raza caucásica y el sexo femenino con relación de 2.4 a 4.1 por cada varón. El común denominador es la afección a nivel de tejido conectivo, genera una variedad de presentación clínica que va desde placas escleróticas localizadas circunscritas que afectan la piel hasta afecciones más profundas que atacan al tejido muscular y óseo, dejando secuelas estéticas y/o deformidades incapacitantes en el paciente. Objetivo: Presentación de caso y su manejo quirúrgico. Los datos expuestos se obtuvieron del expediente clínico físico y electrónico, entrevista directa con paciente y familiares y seguimiento y valoración de estudios radiográficos, desde Enero de 2012 hasta Noviembre de 2017. Discusión: El tratamiento quirúrgico está indicado cuando las deformidades y contracturas condicionan incapacidad en el paciente. Los mejores resultados se obtendrán una vez que la enfermedad haya dejado de progresar.

Abstract: Introduction: Localized scleroderma is the most common form of sclerosis in children; it has an incidence of 2.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, with a predilection for the Caucasian and female races of 2.4 to 4.1 per male. The common denominator is the connective tissue-level condition, causing a variety of clinical presentation ranging from localized sclerotic circumscribed plaques affecting the skin, to deeper conditions that attack muscle and bone tissue, leaving aesthetic consequences and/or disabling deformities in the patient. Objective: Case presentation and surgical management. The data presented were obtained from the physical and electronic clinical record, direct interview with patients and family members and monitoring and evaluation of radiographic studies, from January 2012 to November 2017. Discussion: Surgical treatment is indicated when deformities and contractures condition incapacity in the patient. The best results will be obtained once the disease has stopped progressing.

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.

Morfea o esclerodermia localizada juvenil: caso clínico / Morphea or juvenile localised scleroderma: Case report

Introducción: La morfea o esclerodermia localizada juvenil (ELJ) es una enfermedad autoinmune, inflamatoria, crónica, lenta y progresiva del tejido conectivo, de causa desconocida, que afecta preferentemente la piel y los tejidos subyacentes. Objetivos: Comunicar un caso de esclerodermia localizada juvenil en una escolar, y contribuir a un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno de esta patología. Caso clínico: Niña de 8 años con placas induradas hipopigmentadas, de distribución lineal en la extremidad superior derecha de 2 años de evolución y placas induradas hiperpigmentadas de textura acartonada, con áreas de piel adelgazada, blanquecina y edema en la pierna y el tobillo. Los elementos clínicos y los exámenes de apoyo diagnóstico, incluyendo la histología, fueron compatibles con ELJ lineal, panesclerótica. Se inició tratamiento inmunosupresor y simultáneamente realizó fisioterapia y terapia ocupacional intensivas. Conclusiones: Presentamos un caso de ELJ de tipo lineal y panesclerótico, en el que hubo retraso de 2 años en el diagnóstico, no obstante la respuesta al tratamiento inmunosupresor fue favorable según lo esperado.

Introduction: Morphea or juvenile localised scleroderma (JLS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory, chronic, slowly progressive connective tissue disease of unknown cause that preferably affects skin and underlying tissues. Objective: To report a case of Juvenil Localised scleroderma in an 8-year old girl, contributing to an early diagnosis and treatment. Clinical case: The case is presented of an 8 year-old girl who presented with indurated hypopigmented plaques, of linear distribution in the right upper extremity of two years onset, together with papery texture hyperpigmented indurated plaques with whitish areas of thinned skin in right lower extremity, and leg and ankle swelling. The clinical features and diagnostic tests, including histology were compatible with linear and pansclerotic JLS. She started with immunosuppressive therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. Conclusions: We report a case of linear and pansclerotic ELJ type, in which there was a 2 year delay in diagnosis, however the response to treatment was positive as expected.

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.

Serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in systemic sclerosis and various types of morphea in the Kashmir valley

To find the serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in patients of systemic sclerosis and morphoea in the Kashmir Valley. This was a cross sectional study conducted in the department of dermatology of SKIMS Medical College over a period of one year involving 12 patients of systemic sclerosis and morphea and equal number of healthy controls. All the individuals were taken up for serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels. In patients with systemic sclerosis, the mean levels of copper and ceruloplasmin were increased. No alterations were found in patients with morphea and healthy controls. The increase in serum copper is probably secondary to increase in ceruloplasmin level, which occurs as a nonspecific response to inflammation

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.

MORFEAS: clasificación y tratamiento / MORFEAS: classification and treatment

Las morfeas (esclerodermias localizadas) constituyen un espectro de afecciones cutáneas caracterizadas por endurecimiento por fibrosis exagerada de la dermis y la hipodermis que adoptan típicas aunque diferentes morfologías clínicas, localizaciones, profundidad lesional, número de lesiones, curso evolutivo y pronóstico. Las morfeas comparten además un inicio predominante antes de los 15 años de edad, una gran variedad de autoanticuerpos séricos, potenciales y serias consecuencias funcionales y estéticas. Complicaciones extracutáneas aparecen sólo excepcionalmente, principalmente trastornos encefálicos en los pacientes con morfea cefálica. Un diagnóstico correcto y por tanto el inicio de un manejo terapéutico suelen ocurrir con un infortunado retardo de meses o años. Se han reportado diversas formas de tratamiento, algunas bastante controvertidas, basadas principalmente en experiencias anecdóticas o series limitadas de pacientes. Por otra parte, ha sido difícil validar parámetros confiables para monitorear la actividad, la severidad y la mejoría objetiva de los pacientes. El resultado terapéutico actual es sólo parcialmente exitoso y no hay guías terapéuticas aceptadas por todos. Esta revisión se limita a discutir las dificultades de clasificación de las morfeas, proponer una clasificación personal y revisar las modalidades terapéuticas usadas por los diferentes grupos de dermatólogos y reumatólogos a lo largo de los últimos 25 años

The morpheas (localized sclerodermas) represent a spectrum of cutaneous disorders characterized by skin sclerosis caused by exaggerated dermal and hypodermal fibrosis adopting different although typical clinical morphologies, localizations, lesional depth, number of lesions, course and prognosis. Other aspects shared by the morpheas are an onset mainly in patients before 15 years old, a wide variety of serum autoantibodies and potential serious functional and aesthetic consequences. Extracutaneous complications appear only by exception, mainly encephalic disorders in patients with cephalic morphea. The correct diagnosis and consequently the onset of therapy both usually happen with an unfortunate delay of months or years. Many ways of treatment have been reported, some quite controversial, mainly based in anecdotic experiences or limited series of patients. Furthermore it has been difficult to validate reliable parameters for monitoring the activity, severity and objective improvement of patients. Therapy results are at present only partially successful and there are no widely accepted therapeutic guidelines. This paper is limited to discuss the difficulties in classifying the morpheas, to propose a personal classification and to review the therapeutic modalities used by different groups of dermatologists and rheumatologists through the last 25 years

Atrofodermia de pasini y pierini unilateral / Unilateral atrophoderma of pacini and pierini

Introducción. La atrofodermia idiopática de Pasini y Pierini es una atrofia dérmica de etiología desconocida que en la mayoría de los casos se localiza en el tronco y el abdomen. El diagnóstico clínico es difícil por la infrecuencia de cuadro y su semejanza con otras patologías, pero su histología es característica. Caso Clínico. Se describe el cuadro clínico e histológico de esta patología en una paciente de tres años de edad quien presentó una lesión atrófica, grisácea, unilateral, localizada en muslo izquierdo, con 5 meses de evolución. El estudio histológico reveló hialinización y esclerosis del colágeno compatible con Atrofodermia de Pasini y Pierini. Conclusión. Este caso se reporta por su presentación morfológica e histopatológica típica de esta patología, pero atípica por la edad de la paciente y por la localización anatómica.

Tratamento de úlceras crônicas secundárias à esclerodermia com laser de baixa potência: relato de caso / Treatment of chronic ulcers secondary to scleroderma with low-level laser: case report

Introdução - Os pacientes com esclerodermia podem apresentar complicações como ulcerações em terço distal de membros inferiores. A exata incidência dessa complicação recorrente é desconhecida, mas sabe-se que são lesões de mau prognóstico. O laser de baixa potência é amplamente explorado no tratamento de úlceras crônicas, mas até o momento não foram encontrados estudos publicados sobre a utilização do laser em úlceras secundárias à esclerodermia. Este estudo visa relatar os efeitos do laser de baixa potência no tratamento de úlceras cutâneas decorrentes de esclerodermia em paciente do sexo feminino. Materiais e Métodos - Realizou-se aplicação do laser de baixa potência nas feridas secundárias à esclerodermia, em paciente do sexo feminino com quinze anos de lesão. O laser utilizado apresentava comprimento de onda de 660 nm e foi utilizada a técnica pontual com contato na margem das lesões e pontual sem contato no leito das mesmas. A distância entre os pontos era de 1 cm. A energia aplicada por ponto foi de 200 mJ aplicada em 4 rajadas de 50 mJ, duas vezes por semana, durante 10 semanas. As áreas das lesões foram mensuradas através do programa Image J antes e após o tratamento. Resultados - A paciente apresentou diminuição significativa da área de todas as lesões de pele. Além disso, observou-se melhora no aspecto vascular e na sensibilidade dos membros inferiores, assim como, uma diminuição da área de hiperestesia em úlcera na região lateral do membro inferior esquerdo (MIE). Conclusão - O presente estudo documenta o sucesso de uma terapêutica menos invasiva do que cirurgias atualmente eleitas como tratamento adequado e propõe a continuidade de estudos sobre esse tipo de ferida.

Introduction - Ulcers in lower limbs extremity are a frequent problem in patients with systemic sclerosis; but the exact incidence is not defined, whereas these damages are difficult prognostic.The low-level laser is widely studied in treatment of venous ulcers and its utilization is well understood, but there are no studies about laser in ulcers secondary to scleroderma published yet. This study aims to report the low-level laser treatment efficacy over skin ulcers originated by scleroderma in a female patient. Materials and Methods - Low-level laser was applied on wounds secondary to scleroderma in a female patient who presented these injuries during fifteen years. The low-level laser applied had 660 nm wavelength, and it was used the punctual technique with contact around the ulcer, and inside the ulcer without contact. The distance between points was 1 cm. The energy applied per point was 200 mJ applied in 4 discharges of 50 mJ, twice a week, during ten weeks. The wound areas were measured through Image J software before and after treatment. Results - As a result of the treatment it was observed that wound areas significantly decreased. Additionally, there was an improvement of vascular aspect and sensibility in lower-limbs, as well a decrease of an area of hyperesthesia in ulcer at lateral region of left low-limb. Conclusion - This research presents the benefits of an alternative therapy less invasive than surgeries currently considered as adequate treatment, and it suggests continuity of studies about this type of wound.