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Nodular Scleroderma and Pleomorphic Acid-Fast Bacteria
Alan R. Cantwell, Jr, MD;
Lyon Rowe, MD;
Dan W. Kelso
Arch Dermatol. 1980;116(11):1283-1290.
Abstract
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• This report describes a rare form of scleroderma associated with multiple, elevated, dermal nodules. In addition, rare acid-fast bacteria, and less rare non-acidfast coccoid forms were seen in histologic sections from the nodules. Skin culture isolates in thioglycolate broth were positive for both intermittently acid-fast coccobacilli, as well as non-acid-fast cocci compatible with Staphylococcus epidermidis. These findings reconfirm the existence of pleomorphic, acid-fast bacteria in scleroderma. The possibility is discussed that these tissue and culture forms may be related to certain similar morphologic forms currently designated as "cell-wall-deficient L forms" or may be related to previously described unusual growth forms of mycobacteria. Further investigations for microbes both in skin culture and in histologic sections from patients with scleroderma may prove helpful in elucidating any possible role that bacteria might have in the pathogenesis of this disease.
(Arch Dermatol 116:1283-1290, 1980)
Author Affiliations
From the Department of Dermatology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Los Angeles (Drs Cantwell and Rowe), and Central Diagnostic Laboratories of California, Tarzana (Mr Kelso).
Footnotes
Accepted for publication April 10, 1980.
Reprint requests to Department of Dermatology, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, 4900 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Dr Cantwell).
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