Pseudohypertension in a patient with diffuse scleroderma

Pseudohypertension Is the artifactual elevation of blood pressure that occu rs secondary to noncompressible blood vessels. it has been described in pat ients with uremia, diabetes mellitus, and severe atherosclerosis. If unreco gnized, the condition may lead to Inappropriate and potentially harmful the rapy. We report a case of pseudohypertension In a 65-year-old man with diff use scleroderma. His blood pressure as assessed by conventional sphygmomano metry was at least 240/135 to 145 mm Hg. Intra-arterial blood pressure was found to be 107/52 min Hg. The severe rise In blood pressure as measured by sphygmomanometry led to the concern of scleroderma renal crisis and potent ially harmful therapy. Intra-arterial pressure monitoring confirmed the pre sence of pseudohypertension, however. This Is the first reported case of ps eudohypertension In a patient with diffuse scleroderma. (C) 2001 by the Nat ional Kidney Foundation, Inc.