[Progressive systemic sclerosis associated with massive pleural and pericardial effusion in a 90-year-old woman]

A 90-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital in December 1993 because of dyspnea on exertion and malaise. She had been well until October 1993, when she first noticed Raynaud's phenomenon, skin tightening, digital ulceration and scarring of her hands. On physical examination, generalized edema was found, along with acrosclerosis with contracture, especially in the fingers, wrists, and elbows. Inspiratory crackles were noted. A roentgenogram of the chest and an echocardiogram revealed pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary congestion, and massive pleural and pericardial effusions. The pleural effusion was a transudate. Progressive systemic sclerosis was diagnosed, and furosemide and isosorbide were given. The edema and pulmonary congestion resolved, but the pleural and pericardial effusions did not. Prednisolone was given, which reduced the pleural effusion but not the pericardial effusin. The pleura and the pericardium are not usually involved in progressive systemic sclerosis, and this disease rarely occurs in patients over 70 years old. To the best of our knowledge, this was one of the oldest patients with progressive systemic sclerosis. The combination of massive pleural and pericardial effusions, and the advanced age of onset make the present case unusual.