Limited scleroderma - a case report

Abstract

Introduction. Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune disorder of the connective tissue, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, kidneys, and musculoskeletal tissue. It predominantly affects women. The localized variant is limited scleroderma. Case Report. We present a 64-year-old female patient with the diagnosis of limited scleroderma that has lasted for thirteen years. She had hyperpigmentation, telangiectasias, and progressive skin tightening of the face and fingers. Her blood test was positive for antinuclear antibodies. Sclerodactyly began in the distal phalanx. Tender and painful calcium deposits appeared subcutaneously on the surface of palms and knees, radiographically confirmed. The patient was treated with surgical debridement, vasodilating agents, corticosteroids, diltiazem, sildenafil, nitro paste, antiplatelet drugs, and physical therapy. Conclusion. It is necessary to control numerous factors that affect daily functioning, including nutrition, pain therapy, musculoskeletal dysfunctions, and emotional and social aspects caused by deformities. Targeted therapy in the early stages of the disease, before irreversible damage occurs, improves the overall quality of life.