Case Report
DOI: 10.7241/ourd.20132.39
Our Dermatol Online. 2013; 4(2): 172-175 Date of submission: 18.01.2013 / acceptance: 20.02.2013
Abstract
Localized scleroderma (also called morphea) is a term encompassing a spectrum of sclerotic autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the
skin, but might also involve underlying structures such as the fat, fascia, muscle, and bones. Morphea profundus presenting with atrophic
lesions has rarely been reported in the literature. Here we report two cases of morphea profundus presenting with noninlammatory depressed
plaques, without any signiicant skin induration, pigmentation or textural change. Histopathology was conirmatory for morphea profundus.
Key words: morphea profundus; atrophic; multiple
Introduction
The term „morphea” includes a wide spectrum of clinical
entities, varying from localized plaques of only cosmetic
importance to deep lesions resulting in considerable
morbidity for the patient. Four different types of deep
morphea have been distinguished: Subcutaneous Morphea,
Eosinophilic Fasciitis, Disabling pansclerotic morphea
and Morphea Profundus [1]. Morphea profundus is a rare
disease and it often has a progressive course with physical
and psychological sequelae [2]. Morphea profundus usually
presents with early induration followed by atrophy of
subcutaneous tissue and on occasion that of muscle [3].
Here we report two cases of atrophic morphea profundus
presenting without any signiicant skin induration,
pigmentation or textural change, the published literature on
this type of presentation is sparse.
Case Report
Two female patients presented to us with asymptomatic
atrophy of skin on multiple sites of the body.
Case-1:
Our irst patient was 24 years old and irst noticed
circumscribed swelling on left arm 2 years back. It was
small to begin with and later gradually increased in size and
further, after 4-5 months she noticed atrophy of the skin in
the same region. She noticed similar lesions adjacent to the
old lesion on left arm and also on right arm and on left side
of face at inner margin of eye. On examination, there were
atrophic areas on her left upper arm (Fig. 1) and right upper
arm (Fig. 2) with ill-deined margins. The skin overlying the
lesions showed no obvious induration or tenderness. Multiple
nodules were present varying in size from 2cm × 1cm to
5cm ×3 cm, hard in consistency, mobile, with skin pinchable
over them, distal to the atrophic areas. Swelling of the face
involving left lower eyelid and maxillary region measuring
about 6 cm × 8 cm was present (Fig. 3). Examination of the
surrounding skin, hair, nails and other systems did not reveal
any abnormality.
Case-2:
Our second patient was 16 years old and presented with
asymptomatic atrophy of the skin of both upper arms and
right side of face since seven months. It was irst noticed on
her right arm followed in a few months by similar lesions
gradually appearing on her left arm and her face.
On examination, atrophic areas on right side of face (Fig. 4),
with ill-deined margins and patchy loss of hair was present
in temporal, maxillary and mandibular region.
Atrophic areas were also present on right upper arm (Fig.
5) and left upper arm (Fig. 6).The skin overlying the lesions
showed no induration or tenderness. Both patients did not
complain of pain, redness or itching on these areas.
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Source of Support:
Nil
Competing Interests:
None
Cite this article:
Leena Raveendra, Belliappa Pemmanda Raju, Umashankar Nagaraju, Vivekananda, Priya Kootelu Sundar, Lokanatha Keshavalu: Atrophic type of morphea
profundus - an Indian experience. Our Dermatol Online. 2013; 4(2): 172-175
ATROPHIC TYPE OF MORPHEA PROFUNDUS - AN
INDIAN EXPERIENCE
Leena Raveendra, Belliappa Pemmanda Raju,
Umashankar Nagaraju, Vivekananda, Priya Kootelu Sundar,
Lokanatha Keshavalu
Department of Dermatology, Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital
Kambipura, Kengeri Hobli, Mysore Road, Bangalore, India
Corresponding author: Dr Leena Raveendra cbleena@gmail.com
172 © Our Dermatol Online 2.2013