A case of painful trigeminal neuropathy as a neurologic complication of progressive systemic sclerosis

Abstract

Background & Significance : Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) is a multi-systemic disorder characterized by abundant fibrosis of the skin, blood vessels, and visceral organs. It rarely could affect peripheral nervous system. We report a case of painful trigeminal neuropathy as a complication of PSS. Case : A 36-year-old man was found to have PSS two years ago. He complained of abruptly developed bilateral facial pain. He had a bilateral facial hypesthesia, paresthesia on neurologic examination. Brain MRI showed no abnormal finding. In the blink reflex, ipsilateral and contralateral R1 and R2 responses were not detected during bilateral supraorbital stimulation. After treatment with steroid, his clinical symptoms and electrophysiologic findings were improved. Conclusions or Commentes : Progressive systemic sclerosis could be one of causes of the painful trigeminal neuropathy.