Morphea profunda--a cutaneo-pulmonary variant with profuse sweating

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pulmonology
• Pathology

Background:

• Morphea is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by localized scleroderma.
• Deep morphea (morphea profunda) involves subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and bone.
• This case presents an unusual extension of morphea profunda into the thoracic cavity.

Observation:

• A 51-year-old male presented with a progressive, band-like lesion on the left chest with associated hyperhidrosis.
• Imaging revealed chest wall thickening and a lung nodule.
• Histopathology confirmed granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis extending from the dermis to the pleura.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with morphea profunda with deep extension into the lung.
• Malignancy and chronic infections were excluded.
• The findings suggest a rare manifestation of morphea involving the thoracic organs.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of morphea profunda.
• It underscores the importance of considering morphea in the differential diagnosis of chest wall and lung lesions.
• Further research may elucidate the mechanisms of deep tissue involvement in morphea.