Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyDrug Reaction DataReferences

View all Images (55)

Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Morphea in Child

See also in: External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp
Contributors: Kimberley R. Zakka MD, MSc, Christine S. Ahn MD, FAAD, William W. Huang MD, MPH, FAAD, Nnenna Agim MD, FAAD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Morphea is a localized sclerosing condition of the dermis and sometimes the subcutis. It was historically known as localized scleroderma; however, the term morphea is preferred as morphea is distinct from diffuse scleroderma.

The etiology of morphea currently is unknown, although potential exogenous triggers have been suggested, including infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV), Borrelia burgdorferi, or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV); local trauma; sunburn; surgery; and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccinations for tuberculosis. The initial event in the pathogenesis is thought to be the induction of vascular damage that leads to activation of the immune system, excessive collagen deposition, and subsequent fibrosis.

In children, morphea is observed in a 2-3:1 female-male ratio, with the mean age of onset ranging from 7-10 years.

Morphea can be divided into the following clinical subtypes: linear, circumscribed / plaque, generalized, pansclerotic, and mixed morphea.

Linear morphea, the most common subtype in childhood, is characterized initially by a linear, indurated plaque. On the limbs, linear morphea is usually unilateral and can lead to limb-length discrepancies and possible limitations in mobility. The "en coup de sabre" variant is named for its location on the paramedian forehead that can cross onto the frontal scalp, with associated alopecia. This subtype can be associated with ocular, neurologic, and odontostomatologic complications. Progressive facial hemiatrophy, also known as Parry-Romberg syndrome, is thought to be a variant of en coup de sabre and involves diffuse unilateral subcutaneous atrophy of the face.

Circumscribed morphea, the second most common subtype in childhood, presents as single or multiple indurated, discrete plaques.

Generalized morphea is characterized by 4 or more plaques larger than 3 cm, involving more than 1 body site.

Pansclerotic morphea is the most severe and rare subtype. It is associated with significant morbidity. Patients present with joint contractures, muscle atrophy, and nonhealing ulcers. There is also an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma.

Mixed morphea denotes a combination of the features of the aforementioned subtypes.

Extracutaneous manifestations of pediatric morphea are becoming well recognized, as they may affect around one-half to three-quarters of patients. The most commonly affected systems are neurologic, musculoskeletal, ophthalmic, and dental, among others. Contrary to systemic sclerosis, involvement of the renal, cardiac, and pulmonary systems is rare.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L94.0 – Localized scleroderma [morphea]

SNOMEDCT:
201049004 – Morphea

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

Drug Reaction Data

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:03/19/2023
Last Updated:04/04/2023
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Morphea in Child
See also in: External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp
A medical illustration showing key findings of Morphea : Hyperpigmented patch, Taut, shiny skin
Clinical image of Morphea - imageId=92937. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of a shiny and wrinkled, white and yellowish plaque with a pink rim.'
A close-up of a shiny and wrinkled, white and yellowish plaque with a pink rim.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.