SKELETAL-MUSCLE PATHOLOGY IN SYSTEMIC-SCLEROSIS

Objective. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by abnormal depos ition of collagen in the skin and by visceral involvement. Muscle weak ness is a relatively frequent complication of SSe, although severity v aries. We studied muscle pathology in patients with SSe with progressi ve muscle involvement. Methods. We performed histochemical and immunoh istochemical investigations to detect neural cell adhesion molecule (N CAM). Results. Five of the 6 cases of SSe expressed NCAM in atrophic a ngulated fibers (some fibers stained heavily with oxidative enzymes). Conclusion. Neurogenic involvement in SSc is more frequent than report ed.