Surgical resection of symptomatic calcinosis in a patient with systemic sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis is a rare, autoimmune, progressive disease that affects connective tissues and internal organs by inflammation, which can cause calcinosis cutis. It can progress to painful and disabling conditions, and can become infected, especially when skin ulceration is present. Objective: To present a case of calcinosis in the inguinal region and its surgical recovery. Case Report: A female patient with calcinosis in the bilateral inguinal region presenting with moderate/severe pain had a failed clinical treatment. We performed surgical resection of the calcinosis cutis, which had formed clusters of fibrosis with adhesion to the fascia of the external oblique muscle. We used simple nylon 2.0 sutures along the subdermal plane to perform primary closure and continuous nylon 3.0 sutures along the intradermal plane for aesthetic closure and minimal inflammatory reaction. Her postoperative recovery was positive. Conclusion: The best treatment for calcinosis cutis is still unclear. Treating complications becomes essential for reducing patients' morbidity and increasing their quality of life.

Keywords

• sclerosis
• calcinosis
• reconstructive surgical procedures
• operative surgical procedures
• rheumatology