A rare case of severe bilateral ectropion from scleroderma

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Ophthalmology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.
• Facial involvement in scleroderma can lead to significant disfigurement and functional impairment.
• Ectropion, the outward turning of the eyelid margin, can result from various conditions affecting facial anatomy.

Observation:

• A unique case of ectropion was observed secondary to the development of facial scleroderma.
• The condition presented specific challenges due to the fibrotic changes characteristic of scleroderma.
• This represents the first documented instance of ectropion directly arising from facial scleroderma.

Findings:

• The study details the clinical presentation of ectropion in the context of facial scleroderma.
• Specific surgical management problems encountered due to the underlying sclerotic tissue are discussed.
• Effective surgical techniques tailored to address ectropion in scleroderma patients are presented.

Implications:

• This report highlights a previously unrecognized complication of facial scleroderma.
• It underscores the importance of considering ectropion in the differential diagnosis of eyelid abnormalities in scleroderma patients.
• The discussed surgical approaches may guide future management of similar rare cases, improving patient outcomes.