Morphea is a rare skin condition characterized by erythematous or violaceous lesions as well as sclerotic plaques. Patients with
morphea frequently have other autoimmune disorders. Contributing factors are thought to be autoimmunity and an increase in extracellular matrix production. A case of a 45-year-old male patient with progressive restriction of both shoulder movements and patchy discoloration over the abdomen, neck, back, forearms, and bilateral axillae is discussed in this article. Examination revealed multiple shiny hyperpigmented to hypopigmented indurated plaques, and some lesions showed erythematous to violaceous borders, fine scales, and woody induration. The neurological examination was normal. Skin biopsy showed a sparse superficial perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate with thickening of
collagen bundles that were hyalinized in the reticular dermis, which was consistent with superficial
morphea. Hematological tests showed
pancytopenia and bone marrow aspiration revealed hypocellular marrow, which was consistent with
aplastic anemia. The patient was diagnosed with generalized
morphea with
aplastic anemia. The patient was referred to a transplant center for further treatment, but, unfortunately, he died of
sepsis while waiting for his transplant. Our case may indicate a possible link between
aplastic anemia and generalized
morphea. Due to a possible similar underlying mechanism of pathogenesis, treatment of
aplastic anemia may be effective in
morphea also.
Aplastic anemia must be detected early to reduce complications and mortality in patients.