Learning objectives
Approach the role of imaging in evaluation of different aspects in systemic scleroderma
Background
Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disease characterized by small-vessel abnormalities , organ fibrosis and autoantibody production.
Fibrosis can affect the integumentary, musculo- skeletal, pulmonary, cardiac, gastrointestinal (GI), and urinary systems . (1)
The skin is the most involved organ in SSc and its main expression is severe Raynaud's phenomenon (RP)(2).
Cardio-pulmonary complications make the severity of scleroderma: Pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure,and infiltrative lung disease (ILD).(3,4)
Its diagnosis is based on clinical examination , paraclinical examinations can identify visceral complications
Conventional radiography,...
Findings and procedure details
Acral changes include RP, sclerodactyly, soft-tissue thinning, digital pits and ulcers, and acroosteolysis . Angio-MRI is being developed to study large-caliber distal vessels in the hands. (Figure 1)
RP is observed in more than 95% of ScS , most frequently affects the fingers of the hand (and may be complicated by trophic disorders such as finger ulcers or pulpy depressed scars.
Telangiectasias are dilations of the small skin vessels, rounded, located in the face, lips, tongue or palm of the hands.
Peri-ungual capillaroscopy could be...
Conclusion
Imaging in systemic scleroderma has a role in the diagnosis of visceral complications
Personal information and conflict of interest
Z. Moudafia:
Nothing to disclose
b. dahmani:
Nothing to disclose
S. Omari Tadlaoui:
Nothing to disclose
S. Rachidi Alaoui:
Nothing to disclose
References
Mayes MD, Reveille JD. Epidemiology, demographics and genetics. In: Clements PJ, Furst DE, editors. Systemic sclerosis. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2004. p. 1–15.
Madani G, Katz RD, Haddock JA, et al. The role of radiology in the management of systemic sclerosis. Clin Radiol 2008;639:959–67.
Allanore Y, Avouac J, Kahan A. Systemic sclerosis: an update in 2008. Joint Bone Spine 2008;75:650-5.
Allanore Y, Meune C, Vonk MC et al. Prevalence and factors associated with left ventricular dysfunction in the EULAR Scleroderma Trial And Research group...