Etiologic role of Borrelia burgdorferi in morphea: A case report

Șandru,Florica; Popa,Adelina; Petca,Aida; Miulescu,Raluca‑Gabriela; Constantin,Maria   Magdalena; Petca,Răzvan‑Cosmin; Constantin,Traian; Dumitrașcu,Mihai   Cristian

doi:10.3892/etm.2020.8815

September-2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

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September-2020 Volume 20 Issue 3

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Case Report

Etiologic role of Borrelia burgdorferi in morphea: A case report

Authors:
- Florica Șandru
- Adelina Popa
- Aida Petca
- Raluca‑Gabriela Miulescu
- Maria Magdalena Constantin
- Răzvan‑Cosmin Petca
- Traian Constantin
- Mihai Cristian Dumitrașcu
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Affiliations: ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania, Department of Dermatology, ‘Elias’ Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania, Department of Urology, ‘Prof. Dr. Theodor Burghele’ Clinical Hospital, 061344 Bucharest, Romania
Pages: 2373-2376
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Published online on: May 29, 2020

https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2020.8815
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Abstract

Morphea is an inflammatory skin disease with self‑limited evolution, presenting as localized sclerosis of the skin and/or underlying tissues. The incidence is not exactly known; the disease occurs more frequently in women, and there is no sex prevalence. Pathogenesis of morphea remains still controversial. Several theories exist and the Borrelia burgdorferi infection is not yet elucidated. The aim of this report is to present the main mechanisms involved in the etiophatogenesis of morphea and also the thepapeutic options. A case of a 60‑year‑old woman is presented, who was referred to the clinic for an erythematous‑violaceus, asymptomatic eruption, located on the trunk and legs, for appoximately 2 months. The patient's medical history revealed an infection with Borrelia 1 year previously. After diagnosis of morphea was established, and with systemic therapy (corticosteroids and methotrexate), the evolution was favorable.

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