A Case of Scleredema Mimicking Systemic Sclerosis with Hypoalbuminemia Induced by Malabsorption in Alcoholic Chronic Pancreatitis

ABSTRACT

Scleroderma pathogenesis is the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins and is a relatively rare connective tissue disorder characterized by skin fibrosis, obliterative vasculopathy, and distinct autoimmune abnormalities. However, many other clinical conditions known collectively as the scleroderma-like syndrome present with substantial skin fibrosis and may be confused with scleroderma, sometimes leading to an incorrect diagnosis. Due to this, early and correct diagnosis is very important to for appropriate treatment available for scleroderma-like syndrome. We report a rare case of scleredema mimicking systemic sclerosis with hypoalbuminemia induced by malabsorption in alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. In this case, the patient's skin sclerosis and joint contracture dramatically improved after high dose steroid theraphy.