[Systemic scleroderma: 92 cases in Dakar].

We performed a retrospective study in order to characterize epidemiological data and signs of systemic scleroderma in Sénégal. All patients with the diagnosis according the ACR's criteria of scleroderma were recruited. We included 92 patients, the mean age was 33 years and sex ratio male to female was 0.19 (15 men and 77 women). There were 8 children in our series (8.9%). The initial complaints were cutaneous manifestations (64%) and Raynaud's syndrome (16.3%). Clinical manifestations at admission were muco-cutaneous (100%), osteo-articular and muscular (59%) and Raynaud's syndrome (57%). Focal hypopigmentation was common (70%). Anti-nuclear antibodies were present in 67.4% of patients. Skin biopsy was contributive in all patients in which it was performed (79 cases). Electrocardiogram was abnormal in 55%, non specific inflammatory syndrome was present in 44% and pulmonary function was abnormal in 52%. Our data suggest that systemic scleroderma is more common in younger people in black population. Disorders of pigmentation are common and Raynaud's syndrome is uncommon.