Superficial morphea

Authors

  • Gisela Vaglio Giors Dermaglobal, Mar del Plata, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • María Agustina Suter Dermaglobal, Mar del Plata, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Osvaldo Peralta Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy (LABPAT), Mar del Plata, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47196/da.v25i1.2045

Keywords:

morphea, superficial morphea, superficial reticular dermis

Abstract

Superficial morphea is a rare variant of morphea that is distinguished from the classic variant both clinically and histopathologically. It is characterized by hypo or hyperpigmented patches with minimal to no induration, without associated symptoms, without contracture or atrophy. At the histopathological level, a limited involvement of collagen fibers is observed at the level of the superficial reticular dermis. The case of a patient with superficial morphea treated with ultraviolet B phototherapy and methotrexate is presented.

Author Biographies

Gisela Vaglio Giors, Dermaglobal, Mar del Plata, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Director

María Agustina Suter, Dermaglobal, Mar del Plata, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Assistant

Osvaldo Peralta, Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy (LABPAT), Mar del Plata, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Co-director

References

I. McNiff JM, Glusac EJ, Lazova RZ, Carroll CB. Morphea limited to the superficial reticular dermis: an underrecognized histologic phenomenon. Am J Dermatopathol 1999;21:315-319.

II. Mosbeh A-S, Aboeldahab S, El-Khalawany M. Superficial morphea: clinicopathological characteristics and a novel therapeutic outcome to excimer light therapy. Dermatol Res Pract 2019;2019:1-7.

III. Jacobson L, Palazij R, Jaworsky C. Superficial morphea. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;49:323-355.

IV. Fett N, Werth VP. Update on morphea: part I. epidemiology, clinical presentation, and pathogenesis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011;64:217-228.

V. Skobieranda K, Helm KF. Decreased expression of the human progenitor cell antigen (CD34) in morphea. Am J Dermatopathol 1995;17:471-475.

VI. Tuffanelli DL. Localized scleroderma. Semin Cutan Med Surg 1998;17:27-33.

VII. Pope E, Laxer RM. Diagnosis and management of morphea and lichen sclerosus and atrophicus in children. Pediatr Clin North Am 2014;61:309-319.

VIII. Loyal J, Norris II, Lester EB, Pierson JC. Superficial morphea: case report, look-alikes, pathogenesis, and treatment. Dermatol Online J 2017;23:13030.

IX. Fett N, Werth VP. Update on morphea: part II. Outcome measures and treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011;64:231-242.

Published

2021-03-30

Issue

Section

Clinical Cases