Systemic Sclerosis Presenting With Chronic Atrophic Gastritis and Retinal Artery Occlusion: A Case Report.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by fibroproliferative changes, vascular dysfunction, and small-vessel proliferation. It can affect multiple organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, skin, heart, eyes, kidneys, and lungs. We report a case of a 67-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis who tested negative for specific antibodies and simultaneously developed two rare complications: autoimmune atrophic gastritis resulting in megaloblastic anemia and acute retinal artery occlusion. Notably, she presented with megaloblastic anemia despite normal serum vitamin B12 levels, consistent with early deficiency due to parietal cell destruction and reduced intrinsic factor production. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing uncommon gastrointestinal and ocular manifestations in systemic sclerosis, as timely diagnosis and management are essential to prevent serious complications such as severe anemia and permanent vision loss.