South African Journal of Radiology (Mar 2002)
Uncommon skeletal findings in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
Abstract
Scleroderma or progressive systemic sclerosis is a diffuse disease characterised by excessive deposition of collagen and small-vessel arteritis. Systemic sclerosis is divided into two groups. 1. Diffuse scleroderma, where interstitial pulmonary fibrosis is common, and 2. The CREST syndrome, which is characterised more commonly by vasculitis with pulmonary hypertension. The CREST syndrome consists of calcinosis of the skin, Raynaud's phenomenon, sclerodactyly, telangiectasis and oesophageal dysmotility. This case describes a 48-year-old woman with known scleroderma demonstrating some of the less common radiological features.