ERASMUS SYNDROME: AN INTERFACE BETWEEN ENVIRONMENT AND AUTOIMMUNITY

Introduction: Erasmus Syndrome (ES) is a rare condition in which Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is caused by exposure to silica. The term Erasmus Syndrome was coined after cases of SSc were found among gold miners in South Africa. In India, there is a paucity of such reported cases which might be more due to unawareness of the entity rather than low prevalence. Though the treatment remains the same, ES provides a template for the study of interactions between the environment and our immune system. Case: We present the case of a male patient diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, who was referred to the Rheumatology Clinic of our institution, and which on further evaluation revealed the cause as occupational silica exposure thus changing the diagnosis to ES. Conclusion: We conclude that ES represents an interaction of the environment and the human immune system, with the environment being the factor in the earlier and more severe progression of the disease. We also underline the importance of awareness of this entity among clinicians and of taking a proper history, especially the occupational history of any patient of SSc.