Localised scleroderma and ischemic stroke: case report

Purpose: Scleroderma is a multisystemic disorder characterised by inflammatory and vascular anomalies, and excess fibrosis. Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) mainly progresses with skin, joint, lung, heart, and kidney involvement. Involvement of cerebral vessels is rare in both localised scleroderma and PSS. Transient ischemic attack and stroke are rare complications of scleroderma. Case description: We present a 60-year-old stroke patient with localised scleroderma presenting with impaired speech, forgetting words, and occasional temporary memory loss. Comment: In the case we present, no pathology was found in the clinical and laboratory tests performed in terms of ischemic risk factors. Skin findings included contracture, skin biopsy results, and antibody positivity related to scleroderma. Given the current pathogenesis of scleroderma, the patient was suspected of having a stroke.