scleroderma

• hypertrophy then atrophy of collagen fibers
• 4-6th decade, M:F = 1:3

• bones
  • punctate soft tissue ca++ (finger tips, shoulder, hips)
  • acro-osteolysis (63%)
  • intercarpal joint space narrowing (late)
• chest
  • evident in 10-25%
  • pulmonary fibrosis with diffuse reticulate infiltrate
  • predominantly in lower lungs
• GI
  • esophageal dilation and aperistalsis (>50%)
  • hiatus hernia + GE reflux + esophagitis + distal esophageal stricture
  • gastroparesis
  • dilation and dysmotility of small bowel
  • pseudosacculation and dysmotility of colon

see: CREST syndrome

© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18