DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2015.v03i01.008

Pages: 22-24

Scleroderma is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis, vascular alterations, and autoantibodies. This causes widespread symmetrical thickening of the skin followed by atrophy and pigmentation. Patients with immune-mediated diseases are known to have an increased risk of Tuberculosis. Mycobacterial infections are also known to induce the development of autoantibodies. We report a case presented with clinical features of pulmonary tuberculosis with general examination and radiological findings raising the suspicion of a co-existent connective tissue disorder. Antibody profile done and was found to be positive for ANA and anti-Scl-70 thus confirming the diagnosis of scleroderma coexisting with Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Hence here by we highlight the importance of suspicion, careful general examination, radiological assessment and screening tuberculosis patients for autoantibody profile in presence of a multisystem involvement.