Scleredema and Carditis: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Abstract
Scleredema is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by firm nonpitting edema, usually affecting the face, neck, scalp, conjunctivae and thorax, and occasionally the arms and legs. The etiology is unknown but often follows a streptococcal infection. Streptococcal components, including streptokinase, hyaluronidase, viable and nonviable cells, and C-polysaccharide directly and indirectly disrupt collagen in experimental models. Cardiac involvement is present in some patients. A child with scleredema and carditis is described.

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