Scleroderma renal crisis in progressive systemic sclerosis: a case report

We report a case of progressive systemic sclerosis with scleroderma renal crisis 10 years after onset. The patient (female) had progressive renal dysfunction, hypertension which was difficult to control, and massive gastrointestinal bleeding. An angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (enalapril) could not control her hypertension. Only intravenous nicardipine had a slight effect on her hypertension. Hemodialysis and plasma exchange, did not reverse the renal crisis, and the patient died. Microscopic examination of her kidney showed thickening of the capillary walls and mild nephrosclerosis.