systemic sclerosis Flashcards
what is it?
autoimmune inflammation and skin thickening
what is it due to?
increased collagen deposition
what is the triad of skin thickening?
vascular changes
fibrosis
activation of immune system
what is limited systemic sclerosis?
above and below elbows and knees
Raynaud’s precedes onset of other symptoms
which antibody is associated with limited systemic sclerosis?
anti-centromere antibody
what is diffuse systemic sclerosis?
only below elbows and knees Raynaud’s coincides with or follows onset of other symptoms
which antibodies are associated with diffuse systemic sclerosis?
anti-SCL-50 antibody and anti-RNA polymerase III
what is the pneumonic for clinical presentation for limited systemic sclerosis?
Calcinosis
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Esophageal dysmotility (reflux)
Sclerodactyly
Telangiectasis
what is calcinosis?
calcium deposition in the skin
what is Raynaud’s phenomenon?
spasm of blood vessels in response to cold or stress
what is esophageal dysmotility?
acid reflux and decrease in motility of eosophagus
what is sclerodactyly?
thickening and tightening of the skin on the fingers and hands
what is telangiectasias?
dilation of capillaries causing red marks on surface of skin
what are the symptoms?
thickening and hardening of skin
painful ischaemic digital ulcers
fatigue
weakness
joint stiffness/pain
what are the signs?
calcinosis of fingertips
