Linear scleroderma associated with progressive brain atrophy

Linear scleroderma (LS) is characterized by scleroatrophic lesions affecting limbs and legs, unilaterally. Neurological involvement may be associated with ipsilateral facial and skull involvement in disorders referred to clinically as LS 'en coup de sabre', and Parry-Romberg syndrome. We report a child with LS presenting with a severe neurological disorder characterized by epilepsy, progressive mental deterioration and a rapid process of atrophy involving the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere, but not associated with an overlying facial structure involvement. Functional brain studies showed a reduction in the diameter of the left internal carotid and of the left middle cerebral artery. Our observations suggest that neuroimaging studies should be considered in all patients with linear scleroderma, and such studies become necessary when neurological symptoms occur. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.