A patient with plaque type morphea mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Rheumatology
• Connective Tissue Diseases

Background:

• Morphea, a subtype of localized scleroderma, is characterized by dermal thickening and fibrosis without systemic organ involvement.
• Plaque-type morphea constitutes the majority of adult cases, typically presenting as a benign, self-limiting condition.
• The precise mechanisms driving fibroblast hyperactivity and excessive collagen production in morphea remain under investigation.

Observation:

• A rare instance of plaque-type morphea presenting with clinical features mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus, including alopecia and oral mucosal ulcers, was observed in a 20-year-old female patient.
• The patient exhibited symptoms that initially suggested a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Findings:

• The patient received treatment combining local and systemic immunosuppressants with antioxidant therapy.
• The therapeutic intervention led to significant improvement in the patient's condition.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering morphea in the differential diagnosis of conditions presenting with lupus-like symptoms.
• Effective management strategies involving immunosuppressants and antioxidants can lead to favorable outcomes in atypical morphea presentations.
• Further research into fibroblast hyperactivity mechanisms in morphea may reveal novel therapeutic targets.