Nerve changes in morphea

Thirty-nine peripheral nerves in dermis of 12 morphea patients were analysed for ultrastructural changes. Changes found in the mesenchymal parts of the nerves, i.e. epi-, peri- and endoneurium, were myxedematous changes, collagen fibril degradation, cell infiltration and abnormal fibrosis. The infiltrating cells were lymphocytes and plasma cells as well as mast cells and myofibroblast. Perineural cells were assumed to be one of the origins of myofibroblasts. The axons and the Schwann cells showed slight signs of degeneration.