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P.398 Systemic sclerosis as a sign of malignancy: a case report

jsrd · 2026-06-05 · canonical JSON source

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Introduction Some rheumatologic diseases are strongly associated with malignancy, with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) being among those that can be presented as a paraneoplastic syndrome. This case report details a patient with long-standing diffuse cutaneous SSc who lacked multiorgan involvement but presented underlying malignancy. Such presentations underscore the critical importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex clinical scenarios.Material and Methods We present a real-life case of a patient from our center.Results We present the case of a 69-year-old woman with diffuse cutaneous SSc diagnosed in 1999. Her symptoms began in 1995 with the onset of Raynaud’s phenomenon and rapidly progressive skin thickening. Immunological testing has consistently remained negative, including antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-centromere, anti-ENA, and the extended scleroderma panel. There was no eosinophilia. Skin biopsy confirmed dermal sclerosis. Nailfold capillaroscopy was unremarkable.In 2006, she was diagnosed with left-sided breast cancer, treated with total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection, followed by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy between 2008 and 2016, with apparent remission thereafter.Skin thickening progressed, reaching a modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) of 31 (face, arms, forearms, and anterior chest wall: mRSS 3; hands, abdomen, and thighs: mRSS 2; fingers and right leg: mRSS 1). She also presented with microstomia and tendon friction rubs. Despite extensive skin involvement, there was no evidence of internal organ involvement, including pulmonary, cardiac, renal, or gastrointestinal systems.In 2023, a monoclonal peak was discovered in the serum protein electrophoresis, which led to haematology referral. Subsequent study indicated the presence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.In 2024, during routine screening for pulmonary involvement, high-resolution chest CT revealed spiculated nodular lesions in the upper lobes of both lungs. A neoplastic workup was initiated, and PET scan findings were suggestive of lymphatic, pulmonary, and bone metastases with high glycolytic activity. Biopsy of a lung lesion confirmed metastatic breast cancer. The patient is currently undergoing treatment with ribociclib, with perceived improvement in skin thickening. Given the long-standing seronegative profile, absence of multiorgan involvement, and the later recurrence of malignancy, the most compelling diagnosis is paraneoplastic diffuse systemic sclerosis.Conclusions This case vividly illustrates the complex association between systemic sclerosis and malignancy. Although the underlying pathophysiology remains unclear, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for occult malignancy in patients with SSc, particularly in cases with rapid progression, atypical features, or seronegativity. Early identification and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for improving outcomes in such complex cases.