Case Report: A Young Woman Diagnosed With Overlap Syndrome of Systemic Sclerosis and Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract

This case report describes a rare occurrence of a 25-year-old female diagnosed with both systemic sclerosis (SSc) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), two distinct autoimmune diseases. The patient presented with a combination of symptoms, including progressive skin tightening, lumbosacral pain, and Raynaud's phenomenon, which complicated the diagnosis. Despite the challenges posed by the coexistence of SSc and AS, a multidisciplinary treatment approach involving corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and supportive therapies led to significant clinical improvement. Over the course of 3 weeks, the patient's Rodnan Skin Score improved from 18 to 11, and her pain and overall disease activity were markedly reduced. Although skin sclerosis showed substantial improvement, pulmonary involvement remains a concern that requires long-term monitoring. This case highlights the complexities in diagnosing and managing overlap syndromes, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment strategies and further investigation into the underlying genetic and immunological mechanisms.