Systemic Sclerosis Flashcards
1
Q
What is systemic sclerosis?
A
skin thickening due to increased collagen
2
Q
Is systemic sclerosis more common in women or men?
A
women
3
Q
What other condition commonly (90%) occurs with systemic sclerosis?
A
Raynauds
4
Q
What are the two types of SS?
A
Diffuse
Limited
5
Q
What is diffuse SS?
A
involvment of trunk, face, arms, legs - WHOLE BODY
6
Q
What is limited SS?
A
involvement of only below the elbows and knees
7
Q
What is the common signs of SS?
A
calcium deposits in skin Raynauds pulmonary hypertension oesophageal dysfunction scelerodactyly - thickening of skin on fingers and hands talangiectasia
8
Q
What is the pathophysiology behind SS?
A
immune system is acitvated causing endothelial cell activation and damage which activates fibroblasts.
These fibroblasts produce high levels of collagen
9
Q
How is SS managed?
A
yearly ECHOs and PFTs
treat the comorbidities
