title: Linear scleroderma: a response to neurologic injury? Report and literature review.
abstract: A 28-year-old white man presented with neurologic symptoms and skin changes. Subsequent evaluation led to the diagnosis of transverse myelitis of the cervical spine (C8) and linear scleroderma. The progression of neurologic abnormalities prompted treatment with corticosteroids. Neurologic symptoms diminished and the progression of linear skin lesions halted. A review of the literature uncovered considerable evidence for underlying abnormalities of the spine and spinal cord in many patents with linear scleroderma and a paucity of immunologic abnormalities characteristic of progressive systemic sclerosis. Patients presenting with new onset linear scleroderma should be evaluated for underlying neurologic causes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond.
authors.forename: B H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Littman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009123:Muscle Hypotonia / Q000209:etiology; D009187:Myelitis; D009188:Myelitis, Transverse / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D011241:Prednisone