Overlap Syndrome-Systemic Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Dermatomyositis - Case Report

Curr Health Sci J. 2015 Jul-Sep;41(3):269-273. doi: 10.12865/CHSJ.41.03.13. Epub 2015 Mar 15.

Abstract

Overlap syndrome is often defined as an entity that satisfies the classification criteria for at least two distinct connective tissue disease. We present the case of a female patient, 39 years old, hospitalized in the Dermatology clinic of Emergency County Hospital in september 2014, for ulcerative lesions on the left hallux and the second and third left toes, associated with pain and difficulties in walking. After performing the clinical exam and paraclinical tests, we decided for both intravenous synthetic analogue of prostacyclin PGI2-iloprost and local therapeutic measures, with a favourable outcome of the ulcerations. Due to the fact that overlap syndrome is an entity with several visceral involvement and unpredictable evolution, we must not disregard the skin manifestation, so that we can prevent a severe evolution and improve the outcome. The case represents a permanent challenge for the multidisciplinary team that examine, survey and periodically adjust the treatment, based on the biological status and predominant symptoms.

Keywords: overlap; systemic lupus erythematosus; systemic sclerosis.