Vibratory perception in patients with generalized scleroderma
Dahlgaard, T.; Nielsen, V.K.; Kristensen, J.K.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica 60(2): 119-122
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5555 PMID: 6155016 Document Number: 155594
The vibratory perception threshold (VPT) was measured on 8 different test-spots in 13 patients suffering from generalized scleroderma of the acrosclerosis type without clinical evidence of peripheral neuropathy. VPT was significantly elevated in skin areas severely involved in the sclerodermic process but was normal on test-spots with less affected skin. The pattern of impaired vibratory perception differs from that usually seen in peripheral neuropathy; the pattern most probably reflects the viscous-elastic properties of the test-spots. Cutaneous sclerosis exerts a damping effect on external vibrations. This phenomenon could be utilized as an objective gauge for the severity of the sclerosis.