Hematologic disease in scleroderma syndromes

Abstract

Review of 4,430 patients with a diagnosis of scleroderma, morphea, or eosinophilic fasciitis has revealed 16 patients with one of a variety of serious hematologic diseases. Although it is not possible to comment on the exact relationship between the dermatologic disease and the hematologic disorder, in 7 patients there appeared to be a close temporal relationship between the onset of the two conditions. The development of a serious hematologic disease, especially a lymphoproliferative process, may rarely be seen not only in patients with eosinophilic fasciitis but also in those with systemic or localized scleroderma.