Bleomycin-induced scleroderma: report of a case with a chronic course rather than the typical acute/subacute self-limiting form

Clin Rheumatol. 1999;18(5):422-4. doi: 10.1007/s100670050131.

Abstract

We report a case of bleomycin-induced scleroderma in a 35-year-old woman treated with chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease. Approximately 6 months after the first chemotherapy cycle, the patient developed skin sclerosis in both arms. The lesion showed no signs of spontaneous clinical amelioration and treatment with steroids was unsuccessful. A partial remission of the skin sclerosis was instead obtained by the administration of D-penicillamine. A family history revealed other cases of autoimmune diseases and HLA typing showed the presence of antigens associated with scleroderma. The association between bleomycin therapy and scleroderma is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / adverse effects*
  • Bleomycin / adverse effects*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Remission Induction
  • Scleroderma, Localized / chemically induced*
  • Scleroderma, Localized / diagnosis

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Bleomycin