[Connective tissue compartments in scleroderma. Study of the structure and the biomechanical properties].

A combined histological and biomechanical study was performed in patients with localised or systemic scleroderma. The inflammatory reaction was variable in intensity and location, predominating around the superficial vascular plexus, the deep dermo-hypodermal plexus, the paraseptal plexus or in the fasciae. Secondary sclerosis resulted from the lateral fusion of bundles of collagen fibers. Three degrees of intensity of sclerosis were disclosed by our noninvasive technique of tonometry by vertical traction of the skin in vivo. That measurement allowed a follow-up of the evolution of the disease and a control of the therapeutic efficacy.