Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
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Medical Student
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Medical Education
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Medical Student
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Medical Education
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Faculty
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Surgery
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Poster
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Patient Care
Abstract Type
Case Report
Abstract
Localized scleroderma, also referred to as “morphea,” is a rare autoimmune disorder that occurs in an estimated one out of 10,000 patients per year. Research on the demographics of morphea has shown an increased prevalence in female patients. Its presentation may consist of skin lesions confined to the epidermis and dermis that appear erythematous and bruise-like, with signs of central skin tightening or sclerosis; deeper lesions may be identified as edematous, erythematous plaques in the absence of well-defined borders. A subtype named “En coup de sabre,” exists among the classification of “linear morphea” and presents with a linear induration either on the face or scalp. Our patient is a 20 year old Hispanic female who was previously following up with her primary care physician due to the onset of skin thickening and blisters in her right leg that began in April of 2023 after returning from Europe. Despite an initial diagnosis of stasis dermatitis, the progression of her cutaneous symptoms warranted a skin biopsy in September of 2023, with results confirming a diagnosis of morphea. She was then referred to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley dermatology clinic where she presented with a chief complaint of both new and evolving skin ulcers, with one most notably on her forehead resembling the "En coup de sabre" subtype of linear morphea. This case discusses the clinical presentation, progression, diagnostic challenges, and response to various treatment modalities for morphea, including topical, systemic, and multidisciplinary interventions. This case aims to highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing this rare and complex dermatological condition.
Also presented as an Oral Presentation.
Recommended Citation
Lopez, Miguel A.; Hensley, Jared; and Villegas, Maria, "Under the Surface: A Rare Case of Morphea in the Rio Grande Valley" (2025). Research Symposium. 108.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/108
Included in
Dermatology Commons, Family Medicine Commons, Rheumatology Commons
Under the Surface: A Rare Case of Morphea in the Rio Grande Valley
Localized scleroderma, also referred to as “morphea,” is a rare autoimmune disorder that occurs in an estimated one out of 10,000 patients per year. Research on the demographics of morphea has shown an increased prevalence in female patients. Its presentation may consist of skin lesions confined to the epidermis and dermis that appear erythematous and bruise-like, with signs of central skin tightening or sclerosis; deeper lesions may be identified as edematous, erythematous plaques in the absence of well-defined borders. A subtype named “En coup de sabre,” exists among the classification of “linear morphea” and presents with a linear induration either on the face or scalp. Our patient is a 20 year old Hispanic female who was previously following up with her primary care physician due to the onset of skin thickening and blisters in her right leg that began in April of 2023 after returning from Europe. Despite an initial diagnosis of stasis dermatitis, the progression of her cutaneous symptoms warranted a skin biopsy in September of 2023, with results confirming a diagnosis of morphea. She was then referred to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley dermatology clinic where she presented with a chief complaint of both new and evolving skin ulcers, with one most notably on her forehead resembling the "En coup de sabre" subtype of linear morphea. This case discusses the clinical presentation, progression, diagnostic challenges, and response to various treatment modalities for morphea, including topical, systemic, and multidisciplinary interventions. This case aims to highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing this rare and complex dermatological condition.
Also presented as an Oral Presentation.
