Scleroderma

Rare:  Incidence ~2/100,000
  • Onset usually 30 – 50 y.o.  Women affected more than men

Early Signs / Symptoms

Fatigue, Myalgias, Arthralgias

Skin Changes (esp. fingers, hands, face):  [see Pix below]
  • Edema / Erythema / Pruritis
  • Eventual thickening / hardening of skin
Dyspareunia / Early Menopause  (women)
Erectile Dysfunction (men)
 

Raynaud Phenomenon

Possible Overall Manifestations
  • Soft tissue calcifications
  • Digital Ulcers
  • Pitting of fingertips
  • Telangiectasias
  • Chronic Esophageal Symptoms
  • Interstitial Lung findings on CXR
  • Abnormal renal function

Labs:   Anti-Nuclear antibodies (ANA) usually elevated

Diagnosis —  Obtain specific Antibodies:
  • Anti-Centromere
  • Anti-Topoisomerase 1 (SCL 70)

See posting Polyarthralgias.

Skin Changes in Scleroderma