Musculoskeletal and Skin Pathology for Medical II Students

Lab 2b Scleroderma (03000-48210)

Thickening or hardening of the skin can occur in a number of distinctive forms. Perhaps best known is the systemic disorder, scleroderma, in which there may also be involvement of internal organs such as the heart and kidney. A subset of scleroderma, the CREST syndrome, features calcinosis cutis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectases. Some characteristic antinuclear antibodies accompany these disorders. Less well known but probably much more common are the localized forms of scleroderma, also known as morphea. These present as firm, indurated plaques on the skin, often with a slightly dusky coloration or a "lilac-colored" border. Linear, deep-seated, and disseminated forms also occur. Slow resolution, sometimes with residual deformity, is the rule, but these patients typically do not have systemic abnormalities.

Slides D7a & D7b | Slides D8 & D9

Slide D8 Low power view showing markedly thickened dermis with relative reduction in volume of subcutaneous fat.
Slide D9 High power view showing slightly atrophic sweat glands that are encased in collagen and lack the usual surrounding layer of lipocytes.

Digital Legends for Labs/Cases
Lab 1
1a | 1b | 1c | 1d | 1e | 1f | 1g
Gross & Radiographs
a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h 
Lab 2
2a | 2b | 2c | 2d | 2e | 2f

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Updated August 28, 2007