Multiple Sclerosis Associated with Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma): Case Report
Author(s): Aqeel Almutairi* and Mohamed Al-Jumah
Abstract
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is one of the common chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), affecting more than 2 million people worldwide. The pattern of Multiple sclerosis varies from patient to patient and is unpredictable. Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been increasingly reported to be associated with other autoimmune diseases not affecting the central nervous system especially connective tissue disease.
Objective: To report a case of multiple sclerosis coinciding with systemic sclerosis.
Clinical presentation: A 25-year-old female diagnosed with systemic sclerosis and started on methotrexate then after months patient started to complain of diplopia, eye pain and blurring of vision. Patient seen and after detailed clinical evaluation we considered demyelinating disease MRI showed (showing features of demyelinating disease) and lumbar puncture (showing oligoclonal band), a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) was established. Patient started on Rituximab for treating her systemic sclerosis and multiple sclerosis after discussion done with rheumatologist.
Conclusion: Detailed history and systemic examination followed by laboratory and radiological investigation should be performed whenever there is a suspicion of Multiple sclerosis, especially if it occurs along with other connective tissue diseases.