Early Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis: The Role of General Practitioner

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, rare, and idiopathic disease characterized by the presence of microcirculatory and immune alterations followed by fibrosis. It is clinically heterogeneous and may present a rapid and progressive involvement that leads to disability and death. Over the years, the approach has changed with an increasing focus on early diagnosis. Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and puffy fingers are "red flags" to refer the patients to rheumatology to detect and start the appropriate treatment of such a rare and complex disease. We present a case of a 75-year-old woman with edema and bright erythema on the back and palm of the hands, telangiectasias of the face, and RP with three years of evolution. The aim of this case is to recall the importance of primary care physicians in recognizing the main clinical manifestations of SSc that are sometimes undervalued.