[Buschke's scleredema successfully treated with extracorporeal photopheresis]

Abstract

Background: Scleredema adultorum (Buschke's scleredema) is a cutaneous mucinosis of unknown origin, clinically characterized by a diffuse induration of the skin usually involving the neck, shoulders and back, which limits patients' mobility.

Case report: We report a case of a 50-year-old woman who presented a chronic sclerodermiform syndrome for 2 years associated with type 1 diabetes. Physical examination revealed an extensive skin induration involving the shoulders, neck and back. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of scleredema adultorum. The patient was treated with extracorporeal photopheresis (EPP) twice a month for two months. At follow-up, mobility was highly improved after two months. Beneficial effect of EPP was maintained on the long term while sessions were spaced.

Discussion: EPP is an unconventional treatment of Buschke's scleredema. We described a case of Buschke's scleredema successfully treated with EPP which may represent a therapeutic option for the treatment of scleredema.

Keywords: Buschke; Extracorporeal photopheresis; Photophérèse extracorporelle; Scleredema; Sclérœdème.