| Localized Scleroderma:
Morphea |
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| Generalized
Morphea Scleroderma |
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| Overview of Generalized
Morphea |
| Generalized morphea is a form of localized
scleroderma. When morphea skin plaques are very widespread,
it is referred to as generalized morphea. The skin patches
become very hard and dark and spread over large areas of
the body. Underlying muscles are often affected, causing
them to tighten and atrophy. |
| Symptoms of Generalized
Morphea |
| Symptoms of generalized morphea
are widespread morphea lesions over large areas of the body,
which may sometimes cause limb contractures and atrophy. |
| Antiphospholipid
Syndrome Symptoms of Antiphospholipid Syndrome include
deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic leg ulcers, recurrent
miscarriages, headache, heart attacks, renal vein and artery
thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary hypertension.
It is identified by the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies,
in a blood test. The same antibodies have been associated
with generalized morphea scleroderma. ISN. |
| Photos of Generalized
Morphea |
| Photo
of Generalized Morphea. (See Picture 2) This photograph
shows generalized morphea on the trunk of a patient (reproduced
with permission from Mayo Clinic Proceedings, from Peterson,
LS et al). eMedicine. |
| Diagnosis of Generalized
Morphea |
| Diagnosis of morphea is often confirmed
with a skin biopsy, which is usually performed by a dermatologist.
Morphea is usually diagnosed and treated by dermatologists. |
| Unilateral
generalized morphea (UGM) is a rare variant of localized
scleroderma. As the onset of UGM usually occurs in pediatric
patients, pediatricians should be cognizant of the presentation
of this uncommon condition. PubMed. Eur J Med Res. 2006
Apr 28;11(4):152-6. (Also see: Localized Scleroderma: Linear and Juvenile
Scleroderma) |
| Novel
Autoantibody to Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase in Patients with
Localized Scleroderma. IgG or IgM anti-Cu/Zn SOD antibody
was detected in the serum of 89% of localized scleroderma
patients, especially 100% of patients with generalized morphea,
the severest form of localized scleroderma, but was positive
only in the serum of less than 15% of patients with other
autoimmune disorders, including systemic sclerosis, systemic
lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, and autoimmune bullous
disorders. Minoru Hasegawa. 1687/510. ACR 2004. (Also
see: Localized
Scleroderma and Antibodies) |
| Treatments for Generalized
Morphea |
| Unilateral
generalized morphea in childhood. "We report a 6-year-old
boy with unilateral generalized morphea distributing on the
right side of his lower leg, trunk, and upper arm. With topical
corticosteroid therapy, the sclerotic skin became gradually
softer, and no progression of sclerosis has been noted for
one year." Division of Dermatology, Tone Central
Hospital, Numata, Gunma, Japan J Dermatol 2002 Jul;29(7):435-8
PubMed. |
| Causes of Generalized
Morphea |
| The causes of generalized morphea,
morphea scleroderma, and systemic scleroderma are largely unknown,
although sometimes they are known to be caused by environmental
toxins, genetics, or medications, etc. (Also see: Causes
of Morphea and Causes
of Systemic Scleroderma.) |
| Amyloid
deposition associated with generalized morphea-like scleroderma. The
patient had been occupationally exposed to organic solvents.
As far as we know, amyloid deposition associated with generalized
morphea-like scleroderma has not been reported until now. PubMed.
Eur J Dermatol. 2003 Sep-Oct;13(5):509-11. |
| A
63 year old man developed generalized scleroderma with massive
sclerotic areas, particularly in the abdominal region, four
years after being diagnosed with porphyria cutanea tarda
(PCT). He had almost daily exposure to organic solvents (benzene,
trichlorethylene) for many years. The pansclerotic PCT was
differentiated from a systemic sclerosis, a disabling pansclerotic
morphea and a generalized morphea by means of histological
examinations, the absence of a Raynaud phenomenon and the
non-involvement of additional organs. Auto-antibodies typical
for systemic sclerosis were negative. Using a medium dosage
of UVA1 phototherapy and intensive physiotherapy, the progression
of the skin disease was stopped and the sclerosis improved. PubMed.
Hautarzt 2003 May;54(5):448-52. (Also see: Diseases
Similar to Scleroderma) |
| Personal Stories of
Generalized Morphea |
| Ang:
Morphea and Fibromyalgia I was diagnosed with morphea
in February 2002, but had this for a year prior to that without
knowing exactly what the diagnosis was... |
| Katie:
Morphea I developed morphea on my lower abdomen around
the time I was twelve years old... |
| Maggie
M: Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus and Generalized Morphea I
had to seek medical help when I realized that it was spreading
and getting considerably worse... |
| Patti:
Generalized Morphea I have patches all over my body,
including my hands and feet and something brewing on my face... |
| Tami:
Morphea Scleroderma I have gotten used to the stares
everyone casts my way because in their eyes I am different.
Unique, I guess... |
| Each of the Voices
of Scleroderma books includes an entire chapter of morphea
scleroderma personal stories, as well as articles by leading
scleroderma experts. |
