Scleroderma and interstitial lung disease - A case report

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease is one of the rarely reported autoimmune disorders. The ILD associated with systemic sclerosis is the most common cause of mortality in these patients. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old female patient who is a known case of Scleroderma, Cor pulmonale, and hypothyroidism presented with the exacerbated symptoms of dyspnea and orthopnea. On examination, she had digital gangrene as a dermatological complication of systemic sclerosis. The patient was given medical management and was improving. DISCUSSION: ILD is the dreaded complication of systemic sclerosis. Pulmonary hypertension that developed secondary to the ILD in this patient led to the cor pulmonale. The patient has the exacerbation of the same. CONCLUSION: Early detection and management of the ILD-SS are very important to prevent progression, exacerbations, and morbidity associated with it.