SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease of unknown etiology, heterogeneous clinical manifestations, and chronic evolution, often progressive.1,6 It is characterized by inflammatory, fibrotic, and atrophic changes.6 The onset of the disease is more common in the age group of 30 to 50 years, and is more prevalent in women. SSc has been reported in all geographic areas and in all races, but it has been observed that the black race has a higher chance of developing it.^1.4

SSc can compromise the connective tissue of various organs such as the skin, lungs, heart, gastrointestinal, renal and musculoskeletal tracts.8 In addition, it is classified into two subtypes, the diffuse and limited forms, and it is the extent of skin thickening that differentiates these two. In 10% of patients, the skin is normal, no thickening occurs, and it is called scleroderma sine sclero.⁴

As it is a disease that affects multiple systems, it imposes limitations on the affected individual and affects their quality of life. Proper diagnosis is very important, since the manifestations can be varied and with some possible differential diagnoses.⁴

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.028-008