- Email: [email protected]
Calcinosis universalis lesions in scleroderma
Volume Number
46 2
Roentgeno-oddities
329
CALCINOSIS UNIVERSALIS LESIONS IN SCLERODERMA
S cleroderma is a chronic mesenchymal
disease of undetermined origin characterized by connective tissue proliferation in the dermis and in multiple internal organs. The skin eventually becomes hard, thick, parchmentlike, and glossy. Gradually, the entire integument becomes involved, and widespread calcification of the skin may occur. A 54-year-old male Malaysian with a 15 year history of scleroderma was referred for evaluation and treatment to the Department of Dentistry, Naval Regional Medical Center, San Diego, Calif. A panographic roentgenograph revealed multiple radiopaque masses in the anterior mandibular region. An anterior mandibular occlusal roentgenograph and clinical palpation localized these radiopaque calcifications in the submental subcutaneous tissues. Stafne and Austin reported extreme widening of the periodontal ligament two to four times normal thickness as a characteristic of scleroderma. Periodontal ligament widening could not be evaluated in this patient because of advanced periodontal disease. H. J. Van Belois, Jr., Lieutenant Commander (DC) USN W. E. Sugg, Jr., Captain (DC) USN Department of Dentistry and Clinical Investigation Center Naval Regional Medical Center San Diego, Calif. 92134
46 2
Roentgeno-oddities
329
CALCINOSIS UNIVERSALIS LESIONS IN SCLERODERMA
S cleroderma is a chronic mesenchymal
disease of undetermined origin characterized by connective tissue proliferation in the dermis and in multiple internal organs. The skin eventually becomes hard, thick, parchmentlike, and glossy. Gradually, the entire integument becomes involved, and widespread calcification of the skin may occur. A 54-year-old male Malaysian with a 15 year history of scleroderma was referred for evaluation and treatment to the Department of Dentistry, Naval Regional Medical Center, San Diego, Calif. A panographic roentgenograph revealed multiple radiopaque masses in the anterior mandibular region. An anterior mandibular occlusal roentgenograph and clinical palpation localized these radiopaque calcifications in the submental subcutaneous tissues. Stafne and Austin reported extreme widening of the periodontal ligament two to four times normal thickness as a characteristic of scleroderma. Periodontal ligament widening could not be evaluated in this patient because of advanced periodontal disease. H. J. Van Belois, Jr., Lieutenant Commander (DC) USN W. E. Sugg, Jr., Captain (DC) USN Department of Dentistry and Clinical Investigation Center Naval Regional Medical Center San Diego, Calif. 92134