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Lynsey C. Smith, BSc(Hons), MRCP(UK); Neil H. Cox, BSc(Hons), FRCP(Lond), FRCP(Edin)

Arch Dermatol. 2008;144(7):845-847.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

REPORT OF A CASE

A previously healthy 38-year-old woman was seen regarding severe skin stiffness and thickening. Previous findings are summarized.

The patient originally saw her primary care practitioner with a 3-month history of limb aches, ankle swelling, and malaise. She was taking no medication. Findings showed an increased serum C-reactive protein level (80 mg/L [to convert to nanomoles per liter, multiply by 9.524]), mild anemia (hemoglobin level, 11.3 g/dL [to convert to grams per liter, multiply by 10.0]), elevated plasma viscosity (1.74 mPa · s), eosinophilia (eosinophil count, 2.92 x 10³/µL [to convert to value x 10⁹/L, multiply by 10⁶]), and low serum ferritin and folate levels. A gastroenterologic consultation to investigate suspected malabsorption excluded celiac disease, parasitic infection of the bowel, and a gastrointestinal or gynecological malignant neoplasm. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed only a thickened proximal jejunal loop. . . . [Full Text of this Article]

THERAPEUTIC CHALLENGE

SOLUTION

COMMENT

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Department of Dermatology, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, England. Dr Smith is now with the Department of Dermatology, Hope Hospital, Salford, England.