Rasmussen encephalitis and localized scleroderma of the lower limb: Another piece of the puzzle. A case-report and literature review with individual participant data

Abstract

The co-occurrence of Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) and localized scleroderma (LS) is rare and poorly known. We describe the unique case of a 23-year-old patient with late-onset RE of the right hemisphere, emerging 15 years following LS of the left lower limb exclusively.

Furthermore, through a systematic review of existing literature, we delineate distinct characteristics of RE concomitant with LS: a delayed onset compared to classical RE cases; its occurrence either preceding or succeeding LS; and the variable involvement of the ipsilateral or contralateral hemisphere to the affected craniofacial skin. These findings might provide some hints regarding the interplay between these two conditions.