title: Delay in Diagnosis of Congenital Linear Scleroderma until Adulthood.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Scleroderma encompasses a spectrum of disorders characterized by thickening of the skin and subcutaneous tissue with increased collagen deposition. Linear scleroderma is subdivided into progressive hemifacial atrophy and en coup de sabre subtype.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We report a case of congenital linear scleroderma identified in an adult, misdiagnosed since birth as birth trauma.
  
  
  METHODS
  We completed a review of the literature for similar cases using PubMed and Medline.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This is the first report of congenital linear scleroderma en coup de sabre diagnosed in an adult following an initial misdiagnosis of birth trauma. The sequelae of linear scleroderma can be significant as it can result in gtrth retardation, muscle atrophy, contractures, limb length discrepancy, and disfigurement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This report emphasizes the importance of educating practitioners about linear scleroderma. Early recognition is key as a delay in diagnosis can result in potentially preventable, irreversible gtrth defects and disfigurements.
authors.affiliation: Divisions of Dermatology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lipson
authors.affiliation: Divisions of Dermatology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Ashley.otoole@medportal.ca.
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: O'Toole
authors.affiliation: Divisions of Dermatology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.
authors.forename: Suneil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kapur
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013997:Time Factors