Segmental vitiligo with segmental morphea: An autoimmune link?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Genetics

Background:

• Vitiligo and morphea are distinct autoimmune and fibrotic skin conditions, respectively.
• Segmental presentations suggest localized processes, potentially linked to genetic or environmental factors.

Observation:

• An 18-year-old female presented with segmental vitiligo on the left trunk and upper limb.
• Concurrently, she exhibited segmental morphea on the right trunk and upper limb, with no deeper tissue involvement.
• No precipitating factors like trauma, infection, or hormonal therapy were reported.

Findings:

• Family history revealed vitiligo in her brother and type II diabetes mellitus in her father.
• Autoimmune and antithyroid antibody screenings were negative.
• The co-occurrence of these conditions was observed without evidence of systemic autoimmune disease.

Implications:

• The case suggests a potential autoimmune link or, more likely, cutaneous mosaicism as an explanation for the segmental co-presentation of vitiligo and morphea.
• This presentation expands the understanding of localized dermatological conditions and their potential underlying mechanisms.