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Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Published on: June 16, 2020

Scleroderma mimics.

Jennifer Nashel¹, Virginia Steen

¹BIDMC, Division of Rheumatology and Lupus Center, Harvard University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02215, USA. jnashel@bidmc.harvard.edu

Current Rheumatology Reports

|December 2, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease causing skin thickening. This review covers its mimics, like morphea and scleredema, aiding in their recognition and understanding of related conditions.

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Area of Science:

Rheumatology
Dermatology
Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

Scleroderma is a rare systemic autoimmune disease characterized by skin fibrosis and potential multi-organ involvement.
Scleroderma mimics are a group of disorders presenting with skin thickening but differing in etiology and systemic impact.
Accurate differentiation is crucial for appropriate patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the clinical presentation, etiology, and treatment of various scleroderma mimics.
To enhance the recognition of scleroderma and its diverse mimics.
To highlight the importance of understanding extradermal implications associated with these conditions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of scleroderma mimics.
Analysis of clinical presentations and etiologies.
Summary of current treatment strategies.

Main Results:

Identified key scleroderma mimics including morphea, scleredema, diabetic cheiroarthropathy, scleromyxedema, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, and eosinophilic fasciitis.
Detailed the distinct clinical features, underlying causes, and management approaches for each mimic.
Emphasized the heterogeneity of these conditions despite shared superficial skin changes.

Conclusions:

Scleroderma mimics present a diagnostic challenge due to overlapping symptoms like skin thickening.
Understanding the specific etiology and organ involvement of each mimic is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Improved recognition of these mimics can lead to better patient outcomes and facilitate earlier diagnosis of scleroderma itself.