Cerebral infarction caused by systemic sclerosis: a case report.
Qingqing Wang1,2, Mengen Zhang2, Mingfeng Zhai2
1The Affiliated Fuyang Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China.
The Journal of International Medical Research
|September 13, 2021
Summary
Systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune disease. This case report details cerebral infarction, a rare complication, highlighting the need for further research into neurological involvement.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune disorder.
- It involves collagen deposition, endothelial damage, and microvascular occlusion.
- Common SSc manifestations include Raynaud's phenomenon and pulmonary hypertension.
Observation:
- Cerebral involvement is uncommon in SSc.
- This report presents a case of cerebral infarction in a patient with SSc.
- The case underscores potential neurological complications of the disease.
Findings:
- The patient experienced cerebral infarction.
- This finding suggests a possible link between SSc and cerebrovascular events.
- Further investigation is needed to confirm this association.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering neurological complications in SSc patients.
- May prompt further research into the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction in SSc.
- Could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for SSc-related neurological issues.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...


