[Scleromyxedema. A chronic progressive systemic disease].
BACKGROUND
Scleromyxedema is a rare connective tissue disease that may affect numerous internal organs in addition to the skin. The disease is almost exclusively associated with monoclonal gammopathy.


METHODS
This retrospective study summarizes the clinical characteristics of four patients with scleromyxedema. In all of the patients a systematic serological and apparative check-up was performed.


RESULTS
The mean age of the four patients (three women and one man) was 51 years. In all cases, monoclonal gammopathy (3 cases of IgG lambda and 1 case of IgG kappa) was involved. In one patient, skin lesions were restricted to the upper part of the body and three patients had generalized disease. The internal organs of all patients were affected with fibrosis of the lungs, myositis and arthritis, peripheral polyneuropathy and hypomotility of the esophagus. The most effective forms of treatment in this patient collective were dexamethasone-pulse therapy, intravenous immunoglobulins and bortezomib. All patients had recurrences after finishing therapy. The mean observation period after the initial diagnosis of scleromyxedena was 6.25 years (range 2-11 years).


CONCLUSIONS
Scleromyxedema is a rare multisystemic disease. The heterogeneous affection of internal organs necessitates a comprehensive check-up. The response to recently published treatment strategies is low and recurrences after finishing therapy are frequent.
Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum im St. Josef Hospital, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Deutschland. A.Kreuter@derma.de
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Kreuter
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Stücker
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Kolios
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Altmeyer
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Möllenhoff
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053718:Scleromyxedema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents