Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
20.9K
Systemic sclerosis associated with colliquative necrosis in the cerebellum
Alessandro Ricci1, Hambra Di Vitantonio2, Danilo De Paulis1
1Department of Neurosurgery, San Salvatore city Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy.
Surgical Neurology International
|May 9, 2017
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SS) can cause rare cerebellar lesions. This case highlights ischemic necrosis in the cerebellum, mimicking a brain abscess, in a patient with scleroderma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Scleroderma is a complex autoimmune collagen disorder affecting multiple organs (systemic sclerosis, SS) or skin only (localized scleroderma, LS).
- Neurological manifestations of scleroderma are rare, with cerebellar involvement being exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old male presented with cerebellar lesions that mimicked a brain abscess.
- Surgical excision revealed histopathological findings of ischemic necrosis due to vasculopathy.
Findings:
- Bacteriological and viral tests were negative.
- Rheumatologic tests were consistent with a scleroderma pattern.
- This case represents a rare instance of SS causing cerebellar colliquative necrosis.
Implications:
- This report adds to the limited literature on scleroderma affecting the posterior cranial fossa.
- Understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms, clinical presentations, and radiological features of scleroderma-induced cerebellar necrosis is crucial for diagnosis and management.
