Abstract
IntroductionAnticentromere antibodies have been associated with peripheral vascular occlusive disease, most frequently accompanied by sclerodactyly in the context of a connective tissue disorder. We report a case of digital gangrene with no other clinical associations except positive anticentromere antibodies.Case presentationOur patient, a 53-year-old Caucasian woman, non-smoker, presented with progressive pain and blackening of the distal right third finger over the preceding five weeks. No sclerodactyly was evident. She was anticentromere antibody positive at greater than 100 U/mL. Angiography revealed diffuse distal vasculopathy in both upper extremities. Other investigations were unremarkable.ConclusionsIt is rare for anticentromere antibody-associated digital necrosis to develop without concomitant sclerodactyly. However, this patient's case illustrates the need to consider an autoimmune contribution to the pathogenesis of digital ischemia even in the absence of a recognizable connective tissue disease.
Highlights
Anticentromere antibodies have been associated with peripheral vascular occlusive disease, most frequently accompanied by sclerodactyly in the context of a connective tissue disorder
It is rare for anticentromere antibody-associated digital necrosis to develop without concomitant sclerodactyly
This patient's case illustrates the need to consider an autoimmune contribution to the pathogenesis of digital ischemia even in the absence of a recognizable connective tissue disease
Summary
Our patient's case illustrates the need to consider an autoimmune contribution to pathogenesis of digital ischemia even in the absence of a recognizable connective tissue disease. Digital ischemia may be the presenting feature or initial manifestation of an underlying evolving connective tissue disease. Consent Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Authors' contributions LB, RTG, BN and JG all analyzed and interpreted aspects of the clinical data associated with this patient's presentation and implications of the same. LB and RTG reviewed the literature and wrote the manuscript. All authors participated in revising and approving the final manuscript.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call