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Gangrenous Digital Ischemia Unmasking HIV Infection in Untreated Systemic Sclerosis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We report the case of a 55-year-old woman with untreated systemic sclerosis who presented with severe digital ischemia and dry gangrene requiring toe amputation. Further investigation revealed generalised lymphadenopathy and an unexpected diagnosis of HIV infection. Lymph node biopsy revealed reactive inflammatory changes associated with systemic sclerosis. This case highlights the importance of evaluating coexisting infections in autoimmune diseases and the potential for severe vascular complications when scleroderma remains untreated, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98182

Authors: Parto Siavosh, Jaafar Al-Sadiq Jaf, Alireza Hejrati, Parna H Migoni, Ali Shbeeb

Institutions: Rasool Akram Hospital, Stepping Hill Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Systemic Sclerosis and Related Diseases

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4416833917