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Published on: June 16, 2020
Congenital localized scleroderma
Francesco Zulian1, Cristina Vallongo, Sheila Knupp Feitosa de Oliveira
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Padua, Italy. zulian@pediatria.unipd.it
Insights
Congenital localized scleroderma (CLS) is a rare condition presenting at birth. This rare form of juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS) exclusively shows linear subtypes, often misdiagnosed, necessitating earlier identification.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS) typically manifests in later childhood.
- Congenital localized scleroderma (CLS) is a rare variant with onset at birth.
- Understanding CLS is crucial for early diagnosis and management in neonates.
Observation:
- A multinational study identified 6 cases (0.8%) of CLS among 750 JLS patients.
- All CLS cases presented with linear scleroderma, four with facial 'en coup de sabre' morphology.
- Misdiagnosis was common, with delays averaging 3.9 years.
Findings:
- CLS exhibits a significantly longer disease duration at diagnosis compared to late-onset JLS.
- The 'en coup de sabre' subtype was more frequent in CLS.
- Linear scleroderma was the sole presentation in all studied CLS cases.
Implications:
- CLS is likely underestimated in newborns and requires inclusion in differential diagnoses for infants with skin lesions.
- Prompt diagnosis of CLS can prevent functional and aesthetic complications.
- Early therapeutic intervention is vital for managing CLS and mitigating long-term sequelae.
Objectives:
Juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS) usually has its onset during later childhood. This report describes the clinical and serologic features of six children with congenital localized scleroderma (CLS).
Study Design:
A large, multinational study was conducted among pediatric rheumatology and dermatology centers by collecting information on demographics, family history, triggering environmental factors, clinical features, laboratory reports, and treatment of patients with JLS. Patients with onset at birth were carefully examined.
Results:
Among 750 patients with JLS, 6 patients (0.8%) had scleroderma-related lesions at birth. Female-to-male ratio was 2:1. All patients had linear scleroderma, in four involving the face with en coup de sabre appearance. Two patients were misdiagnosed as having skin infection, one nevus, one salmon patch, and two undefined skin lesions. The mean diagnostic delay was 3.9 years. In comparison with the group of 733 patients with late-onset JLS, CLS presented a significantly more prolonged disease duration at diagnosis and a higher frequency of en coup de sabre subtypes.
Conclusions:
Congenital localized scleroderma is a rare and probably underestimated condition in neonates. The linear subtype was the exclusive manifestation of the disease. CLS should be included in the differential diagnosis of infants with cutaneous erythematous fibrotic lesions to avoid functional and aesthetic sequelae and to allow prompt therapy.
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