Background: Stiff-skin syndrome (SSS) is a rare cutaneous syndrome characterized by stony-hard skin and limitation of joint mobility. Its cause is still unknown.
Objective: Biological investigations were performed in a new case of SSS.
Methods: Collagen production and DNA biosynthesis were studied from fibroblast culture. Proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and TGF-beta2) were measured in the patient's serum. Results were compared with pathological findings.
Results: Collagen production and DNA biosynthesis were normal whereas the level of circulating cytokines was high. Histological examination of the skin showed mild fibrosis in the dermis whereas the fascia was not thickened.
Conclusion: Our clinical and biological findings suggest that in this case, cutaneous changes may be related to an inflammatory process rather than to a primary fibroblast defect or a fascial abnormality as previously hypothesized.