Scleroderma is sclerosis of the skin characterized by the appearance of circumscribed or diffuse hard, smooth, ivory-colored area that are immobile upon the underlying tissues and give the appearance of hide-bound skin. Several environmental
factors and
chemicals have been described as being able to induce systemic scleroderma and scleroderma-like diseases. A possible association between scleroderma and workers exposed to silica has been suggested by reports in the literature since the turn of
the
century.
We report a 55-year-old man, with history of Raynaud's phenomenon and dysphagia, who had been exposed to silica dust over fifteen years. He had a mask-like face, flexion deformity of fingers, and hyperpigmented induration on the skin of all the
extremities and trunk. Antinuclear antibodies were positive I nucleolar type. On radiologic study, streaky, mottled, and nodular increased densities were noted in the both lung fields and these findings were consistent with silicosis. Endoscopic
and
manometric examination of the esophagus represented sclerodermaesophagus. Histopathological findings were compatible with scleroderma.
He was treated with azathioprine and nifedipine with good improvement.
(Kor J Dermatol 1996;34(1) : 322~325)
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