[Scleredema of Buschke associated with diabetes mellitus. Study of four cases]

Abstract

Scleredema of Buschke is characterized by a thickening of the dermis with mucin deposits among the collagen fibers, which manifests as a hardening of the skin, predominantly on the upper trunk. It has been associated with long-standing, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, monoclonal gammopathies and streptococcus infections. We studied patients with a clinical diagnosis of scleredema confirmed by means of a histopathological study, and associated with diabetes mellitus. We reviewed associated diseases, clinical and histopathological characteristics, evolution and response to treatment. Scleredema is characterized by hardening of the skin, affecting the upper trunk. A large proportion of cases are associated with long-standing, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, with little response to treatment.