Morphea complicated by Hashimoto′s thyroiditis in two sisters

Abstract

Morphea complicated by Hashimoto′s thyroiditis is reported in two sisters. Case 1: a 64-year-old female presented with skin rashes on the anterior neck, trunk and bilateral anterior shins for 5 years, itching skin rashes on the perineum for 4 years, and Hashimoto′s thyroiditis for 9 years. Physical examination revealed grade 1 enlargement of firm thyroid gland without exophthalmos or pretibial myxedema. Dermatological examination showed pink patches on the neck and breast, sclerosis and atrophy of skin over the back, porcelain-white patches on the perineum. Histopathological findings suggested the diagnosis of morphea on the breast and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus on the perineum. Case 2: a 55-year-old female, who was the younger sister of case 1, suffered from gradual sclerosis and atrophy of skin in the left inframammary region and abdominal region for 4 years, as well as Hashimoto′s thyroiditis for 3 years. Similarly, physical examination revealed grade 1 enlargement of firm thyroid gland without exophthalmos or pretibial myxedema. Hypopigmentation, sclerosis and atrophy of skin were observed in the left inframammary region, abdominal region and central back region. Histopathological examination suggested a di agnosis of morphea. According to the clinical and histopathological manifestations, periodic acid-Schiff staining and thyroid gland function test results, the 2 cases were both diagnosed as morphea complicated by Hashimoto′s thyroiditis. Key words: Scleroderma, localized; Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus; Hashimoto disease; Genetic predisposition to disease; Case reports