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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
[Renal involvement in systemic sclerosis]
S Guerini1, I Cavazzana, C Venturelli
1Cattedra e Divisione di Nefrologia, Università e Spedali Civili, Brescia.
Summary
Systemic sclerosis can cause kidney problems like renal crisis, affecting 10-40% of patients. Early monitoring of renal function is crucial, especially for those with diffuse skin disease, as kidney involvement worsens prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Rheumatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Context:
- Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease causing fibrosis.
- Raynaud's phenomenon often precedes other symptoms.
- Classified into limited and diffuse forms based on skin and organ involvement.
Purpose:
- To describe the spectrum of renal involvement in systemic sclerosis.
- To highlight the clinical presentations and outcomes of renal complications.
- To emphasize the importance of monitoring renal function in these patients.
Summary:
- Renal disease affects 10-40% of systemic sclerosis patients, most commonly as renal crisis (acute renal failure, hypertension).
- Other renal manifestations include chronic nephropathy, penicillamine-induced nephrotic syndrome, and ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis.
- Despite ACE inhibitor treatment, 20-50% of renal crisis patients progress to end-stage renal disease.
Impact:
- Renal involvement in systemic sclerosis is associated with a worse prognosis.
- Close monitoring of blood pressure, urine, and renal function is essential, particularly in diffuse systemic sclerosis.
- Evidence supports prostacyclin derivatives, antifibrotic, and immunosuppressive drugs, alongside ACE inhibitors for renal crisis, as disease-modifying therapies.
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