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scleroderma

File:MercMorphea.JPG · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

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scleroderma

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Also known as dermatosclerosis, scleroderma (rheumatic diseases)

Scleroderma is a group of autoimmune diseases that may result in changes to the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. The disease can be either localized to the skin or involve other organs as well. Symptoms may include areas of thickened skin, stiffness, feeling tired, and poor blood flow to the fingers or toes with cold exposure. One form of the condition, known as CREST syndrome, classically results in calcium deposits, Raynaud's syndrome, esophageal problems, thickening of the skin of the fingers and toes, and areas of small, dilated blood vessels.

Key facts

Medical condition.name
Scleroderma
Medical condition.image
MercMorphea.JPG
Medical condition.caption
A type of localized scleroderma known as morphea
Medical condition.field
Rheumatology
Medical condition.onset
Middle age
Medical condition.types
Localized, systemic scleroderma
Medical condition.causes
Unknown
Medical condition.risks
Family history, certain genetic factors, exposure to silica
Medical condition.diagnosis
Based on symptoms, skin biopsy, blood tests
Medical condition.differential
Mixed connective tissue disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, dermatomyositis
Medical condition.treatment
Supportive care
Medical condition.medication
Corticosteroids, methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Medical condition.prognosis
Localized: Normal life expectancySystemic: Decreased life expectancy
Medical condition.frequency
3 per 100,000 per year (systemic)

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Image
Scleroderma - UIP - Honeycomb fibrosis Case 221 (7262028900).jpg
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Commons category
Scleroderma
NCI Thesaurus ID
C26746
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~17 min read

Article

13 sections
Contents
  • Signs and symptoms
  • Cause
  • Pathophysiology
  • Diagnosis
  • Differential
  • Classification
  • Treatment
  • Prognosis
  • Epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • See also
  • References
  • External links

Scleroderma is a group of autoimmune diseases that may result in changes to the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. The disease can be either localized to the skin or involve other organs as well. Symptoms may include areas of thickened skin, stiffness, feeling tired, and poor blood flow to the fingers or toes with cold exposure. One form of the condition, known as CREST syndrome, classically results in calcium deposits, Raynaud's syndrome, esophageal problems, thickening of the skin of the fingers and toes, and areas of small, dilated blood vessels.

The cause is unknown, but it may be due to an abnormal immune response. Risk factors include family history, certain genetic factors, and exposure to silica. The underlying mechanism involves the abnormal growth of connective tissue, which is believed to be the result of the immune system attacking healthy tissues. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, supported by a skin biopsy or blood tests.

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