The authors report an Afro-Brazilian girl with systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis overlap who evolved with extensive calcinosis, complicated by secondary infections and important disability. Treatment with colchicine, diltiazem and sodium alendronate was not effective in the control of calcinosis, requiring the use of bimonthly intravenous doses of clodronate that resulted in significant improvement in the healing of cutaneous ulcers and in the quality of life of the patient.
systemic sclerosis; dermatomyositis; calcinosis; clodronate
