Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by abnormal deposition of collagen in the skin and by visceral involvement. Muscle weakness is a relatively frequent complication of SSc, although severity varies. We studied muscle pathology in patients with SSc with progressive muscle involvement.
Methods: We performed histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations to detect neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM).
Results: Five of the 6 cases of SSc expressed NCAM in atrophic angulated fibers (some fibers stained heavily with oxidative enzymes).
Conclusion: Neurogenic involvement in SSc is more frequent than reported.