The combination of bortezomib and dexamethasone is an efficient therapy for relapsed/refractory scleromyxedema: a rare disease with new clinical insights

Consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of sclerosing diseases of the skin, Part 2: Scleromyxoedema and scleroedema

The term 'sclerosing diseases of the skin' comprises specific dermatological entities, which have fibrotic changes of the skin in common. These diseases mostly manifest in different clinical subtypes according to cutaneous and extracutaneous involvement and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from each other. The present consensus provides an update to the 2017 European Dermatology Forum Guidelines, focusing on characteristic clinical and histopathological features, diagnostic scores and the serum autoantibodies most useful for differential diagnosis. In addition, updated strategies for the first- and advanced-line therapy of sclerosing skin diseases are addressed in detail. Part 2 of this consensus provides clinicians with an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of scleromyxoedema and scleroedema (of Buschke).

[Scleromyxedema]

Scleromyxedema or generalized diffuse lichen myxoedematosus is a rare mucinosis that is associated with monoclonal gammopathy and which frequently affects multiple extracutaneous organ systems. The pathogenesis of scleromyxedema has not been fully elucidated, but includes stimulation of glycosaminoglycan synthesis. The clinical course of scleromyxedema is chronic and often progressive, leading to severe morbidity and even death. The characteristic skin findings encompass multiple waxy papules often on indurated plaques, while thickening of skin leads to conspicuous folds on glabella and dorsal aspects of finger joints. Microscopical manifestations are dermal deposits of glycosaminoglycans between collagen bundles in reticular dermis, increased numbers of fibroblasts and fibrosis as well as loss of elastic fibers. Progressive skin involvement results in decreased mobility of the mouth and joints and even contractures. Extracutaneous manifestations occur in the musculoskeletal or cardiovascular system, in the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract, in the kidneys or in the central and peripheral nervous system. There are no in-label or evidence-based treatments available for scleromyxedema, but by expert consensus high-dose immunoglobulins are considered as treatment of choice, followed in case of insufficient efficacy by systemic glucocorticosteroids and then lenalidomide or thalidomide. In severe and refractory cases, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been performed. Long-term maintenance treatment is usually required to prevent recurrences. Close interdisciplinary follow-up is recommended.

Dermato-neuro Syndrome after COVID-19 Vaccination in a Patient with Scleromyxoedema Previously Controlled with Bortezomib and Intravenous Immunoglobulins

Abstract is missing (Short communication)

Monoclonal gammopathies of clinical significance (MGCS): In pursuit of optimal treatment

Monoclonal gammopathy of clinical significance (MGCS) represents a new clinical entity referring to a myriad of pathological conditions associated with the monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The establishment of MGCS expands our current understanding of the pathophysiology of a range of diseases, in which the M protein is often found. Aside from the kidney, the three main organ systems most affected by monoclonal gammopathy include the peripheral nervous system, skin, and eye. The optimal management of these MGUS-related conditions is not known yet due to the paucity of clinical data, the rarity of some syndromes, and limited awareness among healthcare professionals. Currently, two main treatment approaches exist. The first one resembles the now-established therapeutic strategy for monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS), in which chemotherapy with anti-myeloma agents is used to target clonal lesion that is thought to be the culprit of the complex clinical presentation. The second approach includes various systemic immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive options, including intravenous immunoglobulins, corticosteroids, or biological agents. Although some conditions of the MGCS spectrum can be effectively managed with therapies aiming at the etiology or pathogenesis of the disease, evidence regarding other pathologies is severely limited to individual patient data from case reports or series. Future research should pursue filling the gap in knowledge and finding the optimal treatment for this novel clinical category.

Scleromyxedema

Scleromyxedema is a rare, cutaneous deposition disorder from the group of mucinoses, which can affect multiple organs and is virtually always associated with a monoclonal gammopathy. Cutaneous manifestations are usually generalized, 2 to 3 mm sized, dome-shaped or flat-topped, waxy, slightly red to skin-colored papules and sclerodermoid indurations. Neurological, rheumatological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory tract, renal and ophthalmologic manifestations can occur, with decreasing frequency. A serious and potentially lethal complication is the dermato-neuro syndrome which manifests with flu-like prodromes followed by fever, convulsions and coma. Untreated, scleromyxedema usually takes an unpredictable and potentially lethal progressive disease course over several years. According to a widely acknowledged classification by Rongioletti a diagnosis of scleromyxedema can be rendered when (1) generalized, papular and sclerodermoid eruption, (2) a histological triad of mucin deposition, fibroblast proliferation and fibrosis, and (3) monoclonal gammopathy are present, and (4) thyroid disease is absent. Apart from the classic microscopic triad, an interstitial granuloma annulare like pattern was also described. The pathogenesis of scleromyxedema is unknown. A potential role for various, as yet unknown serum factors has been discussed. An unequivocal causal relationship between paraproteinemia and disease manifestations could not be established to date. High dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) are the first-line treatment of choice according to the most recent European guidelines.

Treatment of scleromyxedema with lenalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone: A case report and review of the literature

Scleromyxedema is a rare and progressive disease that currently has no standard treatment. Triplet therapy with lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone can be an effective therapy for scleromyxedema, especially in patients with refractory or relapsed disease.

Scleromyxedema treatment: a systematic review and update

IMPORTANCE

Scleromyxedema is a chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality and no definitive therapeutic guidelines.

OBJECTIVE

To review all available data on the efficacy and the safety of the available treatments of scleromyxedema and suggest a possible therapeutic approach.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

We performed a systematic literature review in Pubmed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane collaboration databases, searching for all articles since 1990 on the treatments of scleromyxedema, with no limits on participant age, gender, or nationality.

FINDINGS

Ninety-seven studies were included in this systematic review, of which one prospective, two retrospective, 70 case reports/case series, and 24 letters/correspondence/clinical image. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was the most used first-line therapy based on its efficacy and its generally well-tolerated nature; most patients require continued treatment to remain in remission. Thalidomide and systemic glucocorticoids were mostly considered as second-line therapies and were given alone or in association with IVIG. Patients with severe or refractory disease were treated with autologous bone marrow transplantation, melphalan, or bortezomib with dexamethasone.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Consideration of patient comorbidities, disease distribution, clinician experience, and treatment accessibility is mandatory in every therapeutic approach of scleromyxedema.

Scleroderma mimics - Clinical features and management

Systemic sclerosis is a severe immune-mediated rheumatic disease by virtue of its clinical impact and mortality. There are a number of other sclerosing skin diseases that should be considered in the differential diagnosis and these are important because they may require specialist investigation and management. In addition, long-term follow up of the different conditions should reflect the risk of associated complications and anticipated duration of therapy. This article reviews the clinical features of potential mimics of scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) including localised forms of scleroderma (morphoea) and other conditions that lead to skin thickening and connective tissue fibrosis or scarring.

Severe but reversible pulmonary hypertension in scleromyxedema and multiple myeloma: a case report

BACKGROUND

Scleromyxedema is a progressive, systemic connective tissue disorder characterized by fibro-mucous skin lesions and increased serum monoclonal immunoglobulin levels. Pulmonary involvement occurs in a subset of patients, though the overall prevalence of pulmonary lesions in scleromyxedema is unknown. Since pulmonary hypertension presumably occurs in these patients due to disease progression and development of additional conditions, treatment of the underlying plasma cell dyscrasia and connective tissue disorder may improve pulmonary hypertension symptoms.

CASE PRESENTATION

An elderly patient with scleromyxedema developed pulmonary hypertension refractory to vasodilator and diuretic therapy and subsequently multiple myeloma that responded to a combination therapy of bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of the underlying disease(s) that contributed to pulmonary hypertension development with anti-neoplastic agents like bortezomib may improve cardiopulmonary symptoms secondary to reducing abnormal blood cell counts and paraprotein levels.

Lichen myxedematosus: a rare group of cutaneous mucinosis

Cutaneous mucinoses are a heterogeneous group of dermatoses in which excess deposition of mucin in the dermis gives the skin a waxy appearance, with papules and plaques that can vary from self-healing mucinosis to even disrupting the normal shape of a patient's face, conferring a leonine facies, or be part of life threatening diseases like scleromyxedema. This review will describe the most recent classification on lichen myxedematosus in the generalized (scleromyxedema) and the localized forms, as well as the different organ systems involved in scleromyxedema, diagnostic workup, current management, and prognosis.

New insights on scleromyxedema

Scleromyxedema is a rare fibromucinous disorders, with several clinical and pathological overlaps with scleroderma and scleredema. Etiopathogenesis remains uncovered, and no explanation has been provided either for the origin of mucin deposition or for the paraprotein role. The disease does not show gender predilection and affects mainly middle-age adults. The course is unpredictable, and prognosis remains guarded for renal, cardiac, and neurologic complications, especially in the setting of dermato-neuro syndrome. A valuable recent progress is the consensus definition of diagnostic criteria and lines of treatment, which hold the promise to improve the early recognition and management of this rare condition worldwide. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin has been suggested as the first-line treatment either alone or associated with systemic steroids and/or thalidomide. In very recalcitrant cases, adjunctive bortezomib and/or autologous stem cell transplant might be considered. Melphalan treatment was associated with very toxic side effects and actually is no longer recommended.

Plasma Cell Myeloma Masquerading as Scleromyxedema

Scleromyxedema is a rare progressive cutaneous mucinosis of unknown etiology with equal prevalence in both men and women. It is usually associated with monoclonal gammopathy in most of the cases. Various treatment modalities have been tried for scleromyxedema including steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and melphalan, but none has proved to be fully effective. This paper reports a case of scelromyxedema in a patient who was found to have multiple myeloma on further evaluation. The patient was treated with six cycles of bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone, following which he had complete resolution of his skin lesions. While recent case reports have mentioned treatment of patients of scleromyxedema with varying combinations of IVIg, thalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone, we describe a patient who has been successfully treated with a combination of bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone with complete resolution of all skin lesions.

[Mimetics of systemic sclerosis]

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by heterogeneous clinical symptoms. Peripheral skin fibrosis can be a common symptom. Nevertheless, a variety of diseases with different etiologies are associated with a thickening of the skin and make the initial diagnosis of systemic sclerosis more difficult.

OBJECTIVE

The different disease entities that can lead to dermal fibrosis should be differentiated. An earlier diagnosis of SSc would therefore be facilitated.

METHODS

A literature search was carried out for clinical pictures that can be associated with skin fibrosis. The clinical picture, the etiology and the treatment of the individual diseases are described.

RESULTS

Diseases that can mimic the cutaneous symptoms of SSc include morphea, scleroderma, diabetic cheirarthritis, scleromyxedema, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and eosinophilic fasciitis. The characteristic pronounced skin involvement, an accompanying Raynaud's phenomenon, capillary microscopy, histopathology and antinuclear antibodies help to enable a differentiation of SSc from its mimics.

CONCLUSION

An early differential diagnostic distinction between SSc and other sclerosing diseases is important due to SSc-associated and potentially life-threatening systemic organ involvement. If a diagnosis of SSc has been made, a critical and organ-specific evaluation with respect to pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal and cardiac involvement is mandatory and should be repeated at regular intervals.

[Scleromyxedema]

Scleromyxedema is a rare disorder that frequently affects multiple extracutaneous organ systems and is usually associated with monoclonal gammopathy. The pathogenesis of scleromyxedema is unknown. The clinical course is chronic and progressive and can lead to marked morbidity or death. The skin findings consist of multiple waxy papules and indurated plaques. Progressive skin involvement can lead to decreased mobility of the mouth and joints. Extracutaneous manifestations occur in the musculoskeletal or cardiovascular system, in the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract, or in the kidneys. There are no approved or evidence-based treatment options available for scleromyxedema. High-dose immunoglobulins are considered the treatment of choice, followed by lenalidomide (or thalidomide) and systemic glucocorticosteroids, or in severe cases even autologous hematopoetic stem cell transplantation. Long-term maintenance treatment is usually required and close clinical follow-up is necessary as recurrence of scleromyxedema is common after withdrawal of an effective therapy.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Scleroderma and Scleroderma-Like Disorders: a Comprehensive Review

Scleroderma refers to an autoimmune connective tissue fibrosing disease, including three different subsets: localized scleroderma, limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis with divergent patterns of organ involvement, autoantibody profiles, management, and prognostic implications. Although systemic sclerosis is considered the disease prototype that causes cutaneous sclerosis, there are many other conditions that can mimic and be confused with SSc. They can be classified into immune-mediated/inflammatory, immune-mediated/inflammatory with abnormal deposit (mucinoses), genetic, drug-induced and toxic, metabolic, panniculitis/vascular, and (para)neoplastic disorders according to clinico-pathological and pathogenetic correlations. This article reviews the clinical presentation with emphasis on cutaneous disease, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment options available for the different forms of scleroderma firstly and for scleroderma-like disorders, including scleromyxedema, scleredema, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, eosinophilic fasciitis, chronic graft-versus-host disease, porphyria cutanea tarda, diabetic stiff-hand syndrome (diabetic cheiroartropathy), and other minor forms. This latter group of conditions, termed also scleroderma mimics, sclerodermiform diseases, or pseudosclerodermas, shares the common thread of skin thickening but presents with distinct cutaneous manifestations, skin histology, and systemic implications or disease associations, differentiating each entity from the others and from scleroderma. The lack of Raynaud's phenomenon, capillaroscopic abnormalities, or scleroderma-specific autoantibodies is also important diagnostic clues. As cutaneous involvement is the earliest, most frequent and characteristic manifestation of scleroderma and sclerodermoid disorders, dermatologists are often the first-line doctors who must be able to promptly recognize skin symptoms to provide the affected patient a correct diagnosis and appropriate management.

European dermatology forum S1-guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of sclerosing diseases of the skin, Part 2: Scleromyxedema, scleredema and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis

The term 'sclerosing diseases of the skin' comprises specific dermatological entities which have fibrotic changes of the skin in common. These diseases mostly manifest in different clinical subtypes according to cutaneous and extracutaneous involvement and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from each other. The present guideline focuses on characteristic clinical and histopathological features, diagnostic scores and the serum autoantibodies most useful for differential diagnosis. In addition, current strategies in the first- and advanced-line therapy of sclerosing skin diseases are addressed in detail. Part 2 of this guideline provides clinicians with an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of scleromyxedema, scleredema (of Buschke) and nephrogenic systemic sclerosis (nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy).

Scleromyxedema: long-term follow-up after high-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Scleromyxedema is a cutaneous mucinosis that is often accompanied by severe systemic manifestations. New therapeutic options have been introduced for this condition, but data on the long-term efficacy of treatments are limited.

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of treatment with high-dose melphalan and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT).

METHODS

In an original study published in 2006, seven patients with scleromyxedema were treated with high-dose melphalan and autologous PBSCT between April 2000 and November 2003. This follow-up retrospective study evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of the treatment in five of the original seven patients.

RESULTS

Responses were seen in all five patients. Three patients achieved complete responses, and one achieved a partial response. One patient achieved a complete response followed by a partial response after recurrence. Paraprotein levels were stable in two patients. In one patient, paraprotein level was undetectable 10 years following treatment, and in the other two patients, paraprotein levels decreased significantly following treatment. No long-term complications or adverse effects were noted in any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplantation appears to be a safe and effective long-term treatment in patients with scleromyxedema. However, further studies are required to investigate this in larger groups of patients.

Scleroderma Mimickers

Cutaneous fibrosing disorders encompass a diverse array of diseases united by the presence of varying degrees of dermal sclerosis. The quality and distribution of skin involvement, presence or absence of systemic complications and unique associated laboratory abnormalities often help to distinguish between these diseases. It is imperative that an effort is made to accurately differentiate between scleroderma and its mimics, in order to guide long-term management and facilitate implementation of the appropriate treatment modality where indicated.

Scleromyxedema

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To synthesize the current known data on pathogenesis and treatment of scleromyxedema. This review will also highlight the clinical presentation, systemic features and outcomes and distinguishing features between scleromyxedema and scleroderma, as a common mimic.

RECENT FINDINGS

Most recent publications have focused on describing treatment responses with novel therapies, with the majority of cases reporting success with intravenous immunoglobulin. However, other therapies suggest promise as well in case reports, including bortezomib, thalidomide and stem cell transplantation. There is little information on pathogenesis; however, focus has been on the relationship between the mucin deposition and the monoclonal immunoglobulins that are seen in almost all patients with scleromyxedema.

SUMMARY

Scleromyxedema is a rare mucinous deposition disorder that shares clinical features with scleroderma but has important distinguishing features in clinical presentation and major organ complications that should be recognized. Patients typically respond well to therapy as highlighted in several larger series, but poor outcomes are reported in a few cases.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of refractory scleromyxedema

Scleromyxedema is a rare disorder of connective tissue with unknown etiology. Its manifestation includes a generalized mucin deposition, which is frequently associated with paraproteinemia. The course of scleromyxedema is progressive and often lethal. As a result of its poorly understood pathogenesis, there is no causative treatment option. The efficacy of cytoreductive agents and autologous stem cell transplantation has been reported, but so far allografting as a treatment option has not yet been documented. Herein, we report on a patient with severe neurologic involvement and refractory course attaining durable remission after receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant from an human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling. This case not only illustrates a potential new treatment option for selected patients, but also provides insights into the pathogenesis of this rare disease.

Scleromyxedema: a rare disorder and its treatment difficulties

Scleromyxedema is a rare progressive cutaneous mucinosis, usually associated with a systemic involvement and paraproteinemia. Its aetiology remains unknown. The therapeutic options include numerous treatment modalities, however, no standard treatment exists as the rarity of this disease prevents the execution of controlled therapeutic trials. This paper reports a case of a 38-year-old male with progressive scleromyxedema associated with gammopathy. Initially, the patient was treated with prednisolone and later etretinate was added to the therapeutic schedule with quite good clinical improvement. However, after 6 months of treatment, several adverse effects were observed: hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and cataract of the right eye. The patient was consulted by dermatologists in Warsaw and Gdansk as well as by a haematologist. The patient was excluded from oncological treatment. Melphalan therapy was not recommended as it is associated with very toxic side effects. IVIG treatment (intravenous immunoglobulin) was not initiated because of financial issues. As the disease progressed, treatment with plasmapheresis was introduced. The patient received 4 cycles of the therapy. It was well-tolerated by the patient and gave satisfactory, but temporary results. In order to obtain long-lasting improvement the patient was treated with IVIG (21.0 g/dose for 5 consecutive days). This treatment modality seems to have resulted in a more stable improvement.