Co-existence of lichen sclerosus and localized scleroderma in female monozygotic twins.
BACKGROUND
Etiology of lichen sclerosus (LiS) and localized scleroderma (LoS) is uncertain and probably multifactorial.


METHODS
We describe a case of female monozygotic twins who presented co-existence of LiS and LoS. Skin lesions typical for LoS occurred in both patients, at the age of 10. One sister was diagnosed with linear LoS of the lower limb affecting deeper situated subcutaneous tissue and muscles. The other sister was diagnosed with guttate LoS of the trunk, with slow progression of the skin lesions. In both sisters vulvar LiS developed at the age of 19.


CONCLUSIONS
Co-existence of LiS and LoS in monozygotic twins indicates the possible genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of these diseases and the close relationship between them.
Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. Electronic address: annadlis@neostrada.pl.
Anna
A
Lis-Święty
Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
Katarzyna
K
Mierzwińska
Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
Karolina
K
Wodok-Wieczorek
Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
Małgorzata
M
Widuchowska
Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
Ligia
L
Brzezińska-Wcisło
D004200:Diseases in Twins; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018459:Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics*; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics*; D035781:Siblings; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic; D055815:Young Adult
Familial occurrence; Lichen sclerosus; Localized scleroderma