Co-existence of lichen sclerosus and localized scleroderma in female monozygotic twins.

BACKGROUND

Etiology of lichen sclerosus (LiS) and localized scleroderma (LoS) is uncertain and probably multifactorial.

CASE: We describe a case of female monozygotic twins who presented co-existence of LiS and LoS. Skin lesions typical for LoS occurred in both patients, at the age of 10. One sister was diagnosed with linear LoS of the lower limb affecting deeper situated subcutaneous tissue and muscles. The other sister was diagnosed with guttate LoS of the trunk, with slow progression of the skin lesions. In both sisters vulvar LiS developed at the age of 19.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-existence of LiS and LoS in monozygotic twins indicates the possible genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of these diseases and the close relationship between them.