Skeletal muscle pathology in systemic sclerosis.

Calore, E E; Cavaliere, M J; Perez, N M; Takayasu, V; Wakamatsu, A; Kiss, M H · J Rheumatol · 1995

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by abnormal deposition of collagen in the skin and by visceral involvement. Muscle weakness is a relatively frequent complication of SSc, although severity varies. We studied muscle pathology in patients with SSc with progressive muscle involvement. We performed histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations to detect neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). Five of the 6 cases of SSc expressed NCAM in atrophic angulated fibers (some fibers stained heavily with oxidative enzymes). Neurogenic involvement in SSc is more frequent than reported.

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