Keloidal Scleroderma: Case Report and Review

Linear indurated plaque over the neck

Isolated cutaneous swelling can have varied etiologies. The clinical diagnosis is usually difficult, and a correct diagnosis always requires a pathological examination. Hereby, we report a case of linear keloidal morphea on the neck of an 18-year-old male who presented with an asymptomatic, firm lesion for 6 months. Histopathological examination was consistent with morphea. This case highlights the uncommon form of morphea in an unusual location, which can be misdiagnosed for numerous neoplastic conditions and for which simple histopathological evaluation can clinch the diagnosis.

Scleroderma with Nodular Scleroderma

BACKGROUND

Nodular scleroderma is a rare variant of scleroderma which can occur in connection with systemic sclerosis or morphea. A biopsy from the lesion can demonstrate the scleroderma pattern, i.e., keloid pattern or mixed type. Treatment is challenging, and several treatments modalities have been reported with unsatisfactory results.

MAIN OBSERVATIONS

We present a case of systemic sclerosis in a 50-year-old female who developed nodular scleroderma in the absence of deterioration of the scleroderma condition. Although no additional treatment was given, the lesions remained stable without progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this condition is rare, it has been reported sporadically, and clinicians should be able to recognize this variant in cases of scleroderma presenting with firm nodules or plaques.