DISEASE

Scleroderma / systemic sclerosis

A disease with an unclear etiology, which affects many organ systems, mainly the skin and the blood vessels but the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract may also be affected.

Indications: Suspicion of scleroderma or systemic sclerosis. In-depth analysis is ordered when diagnosis has been established or if there is a strong suspicion of scleroderma/systemic sclerosis and when it is desired to differentiate between subentities.

A disease with an unclear etiology, which affects many organ systems, mainly the skin and the blood vessels but the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract may also be affected. Kidney, heart and muscle symptoms are less common. The most common clinical characteristics are dermatofibrosis of varying intensity and extent and circulation disorders in fingers and toes (Raynaud’s phenomenon).

The disease is usually divided into different forms, such as: 1. Limited form (usually in the face and distally toward the elbow and knee) fi ts in with CREST syndrome. 2. Diffuse forms of skin symptoms, proximally to the elbow and on the body. 3. Overlap syndrome. Serological investigation: IMAGE