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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Imaging techniques for assessing the hand in systemic sclerosis: a systematic review.
Mark Greveling1, Veerle Koerselman1, Simon Mastbergen1
1Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
|July 1, 2026
Summary
Advanced imaging techniques offer valuable insights into systemic sclerosis (SSc) hand involvement, detecting subclinical disease. Further standardization is needed for wider clinical use in managing this autoimmune condition.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) frequently impacts hands, causing functional impairment.
- Imaging is crucial for diagnosing, monitoring, and evaluating SSc hand involvement.
- This review synthesizes current imaging techniques for SSc hands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize imaging techniques used for hand assessment in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).
- To identify the range of techniques and their applications in evaluating SSc-related hand abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase (post-2000).
- Included original research on hand imaging in SSc, excluding ultrasound and nailfold capillaroscopy.
- Synthesized findings by clinical manifestations and assessed study quality using QUADAS-2.
Main Results:
- 25 distinct imaging techniques were identified across 61 studies.
- Vascular imaging was most studied, assessing Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ischemia.
- MRI detected subclinical inflammation and erosions; CT assessed calcinosis; optical methods showed potential for fibrosis quantification.
Conclusions:
- Imaging provides valuable insights into SSc hand involvement, often revealing subclinical disease.
- Limited standardization and validation hinder widespread clinical implementation.
- Future research should focus on protocol harmonization and validation against clinical outcomes.
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