Pseudo vitiligo in Systemic Sclerosis

presented by Henry Foong FRCP,

Ipoh, Malaysia on April 5, 2004

Abstracts

Sanchez JL, Vazquez M, Sanchez NP. Arch Dermatol. 1983 Feb;119(2):129-33. "Vitiligolike macules in systemic scleroderma."

Changes of hyperpigmentation and depigmentation in systemic scleroderma have been known since the last century, but their relationship to the pathogenesis of the condition is poorly understood. Clinical, histologic, histochemical, immunopathologic, and electron microscopic studies of the depigmented lesions in seven patients with systemic scleroderma demonstrated changes similar to those of vitiligo, but with subtle differences. Immunologic mechanisms seem to be involved in the induction of depigmentation in both vitiligo and systemic scleroderma

De Villiers WJ, Jordaan HF, Bates W. Clin Exp Dermatol. 1992 Mar;17(2):127-31.

"Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma presenting with vitiligo-like depigmentation and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis." We report a case of systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma in which vitiligo-like depigmentation and early interstitial pulmonary fibrosis predominated. The pigmentary changes occurring in systemic sclerosis are reviewed and the distinctive features of the case discussed.