En coup de sabre morphea and Parry-Romberg syndrome: a retrospective review of 54 patients

Abstract

Background: The relationship between en coup de sabre morphea and Parry-Romberg syndrome is unclear, and not much is known regarding their demographic and clinical characteristics or the efficacy of the treatments that are used.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe demographic data, clinical features, and medications used in a large cohort of patients with en coup de sabre morphea and Parry-Romberg syndrome.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with en coup de sabre morphea or Parry-Romberg syndrome at the Mayo Clinic from 1984 to 2004 was conducted. Demographic data, examination findings, and treatments were noted.

Results: We identified 54 patients who met criteria for inclusion in the study. Twenty-six patients (48%) had en coup de sabre morphea, 13 (24%) had Parry-Romberg syndrome, and 15 (28%) had both. Disease was present bilaterally in 7.4% of patients. Thirteen percent of all patients in the study group had seizures. Of patients who received treatment, most were treated with antimalarial agents (57.1%) or methotrexate (28.6%).

Limitations: The study design was that of a retrospective review at a tertiary care center with referral bias. There were also limitations present because of the inherent nature of the diseases studied.

Conclusion: En coup de sabre morphea and Parry-Romberg syndrome frequently coexist and are likely both variants of morphea. Bilateral disease is more common than previously reported. The efficacy of antimalarials and methotrexate in the treatment of these diseases remains unclear.