Questions on Rheumatology - 8. Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)

👍🏻 Support us: Mastercard: 5106 2110 8086 3207 (ARMEN ASTVATSATRYAN) Systemic sclerosis is a rare chronic disease of unknown cause characterized by diffuse fibrosis and vascular abnormalities in the skin, joints, and internal organs (especially the esophagus, lower gastrointestinal tract, lungs, heart, and kidneys). Common symptoms include Raynaud syndrome, polyarthralgia, dysphagia, heartburn, and swelling and eventually skin tightening and contractures of the fingers. Lung, heart, and kidney involvement accounts for most deaths. Diagnosis is clinical, but laboratory tests support the diagnosis and aid in prognostication. Specific treatment is difficult, and emphasis is often on treatment of complications. #systemic #sclerosis #scleroderma Professor Armen Astvatsatryan, MD, PhD, ScD, Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology. First Dean and Founder of Faculty of Public Health of European Regional Educational Academy (now University). aramis1969@