This case report describes a rare occurrence of a 25-year-old female diagnosed with both systemic sclerosis (SSc) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), two distinct autoimmune diseases. The patient presented with a combination of symptoms, including progressive skin tightening, lumbosacral pain, and Raynaud's phenomenon, which complicated the diagnosis. Despite the challenges posed by the coexistence of SSc and AS, a multidisciplinary treatment approach involving corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and supportive therapies led to significant clinical improvement. Over the course of 3 weeks, the patient's Rodnan Skin Score improved from 18 to 11, and her pain and overall disease activity were markedly reduced. Although skin sclerosis showed substantial improvement, pulmonary involvement remains a concern that requires long-term monitoring. This case highlights the complexities in diagnosing and managing overlap syndromes, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment strategies and further investigation into the underlying genetic and immunological mechanisms.
Keywords: HLA‐B27; ankylosing spondylitis (AS); autoimmune overlap syndrome; case report; systemic sclerosis (SSc).
© 2024 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.