Dystrophic calcinosis in a patient with overlap syndrome (scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis) treated by leflunomide: A case report

RATIONALE: Dystrophic calcinosis occurs in chronically damaged tissue in patients with complicated autoimmune diseases. The therapeutic options are limited, and the treatment response rate is variable. Here, we describe a rare case of dystrophic calcinosis treated with leflunomide in a patient with overlap syndrome. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 53-year-old woman who was diagnosed with overlaps syndrome (systemic sclerosis [SSc] with rheumatoid arthritis [RA]), presented to our hospital with pain and swelling in both wrists, and underwent radiography, bone scan, and biopsy examination. DIAGNOSES: This patient was diagnosed with dystrophic calcinosis in overlaps syndrome. INTERVENTIONS: The conventional disease-modifying drugs were not effective. Hence, leflunomide was administered. OUTCOMES: Simple radiography and bone scan showed resolved mass-like dystrophic calcinosis on both wrists of the patient after the use of leflunomide. LESSONS: The control of underlying disease is important in the treatment of dystrophic calcinosis. The use of leflunomide maybe an option in treatment of dystrophic calcinosis combined with RA.