Scleroderma pathophysiology

Scleroderma Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Scleroderma from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Scleroderma pathophysiology On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Scleroderma pathophysiology All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Scleroderma pathophysiology
CDC on Scleroderma pathophysiology
Scleroderma pathophysiology in the news
Blogs on Scleroderma pathophysiology
Directions to Hospitals Treating Scleroderma
Risk calculators and risk factors for Scleroderma pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: M. Khurram Afzal, MD [2]

Overview

The exact pathogenesis of [disease name] is not fully understood.

OR

It is thought that [disease name] is the result of / is mediated by / is produced by / is caused by either [hypothesis 1], [hypothesis 2], or [hypothesis 3].

OR

[Pathogen name] is usually transmitted via the [transmission route] route to the human host.

OR

Following transmission/ingestion, the [pathogen] uses the [entry site] to invade the [cell name] cell.

OR

[Disease or malignancy name] arises from [cell name]s, which are [cell type] cells that are normally involved in [function of cells].

OR

The progression to [disease name] usually involves the [molecular pathway].

OR

The pathophysiology of [disease/malignancy] depends on the histological subtype.

Pathophysiology

Pathogenesis

• Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease which includes:
  • Autoantibodies
  • Vasculopathy
  • Fibrosis
• Features of Scleroderma include:
  • Sclerodactyly (thickened skin of the fingers) is common
  • Extensive skin fibrosis may be present
  • Raynaud phenomenon
  • Esophageal dysmotility
  • Pulmonary arterial hypertension
  • Cardiac involvement
  • Interstitial lung disease
  • Inflamatory arthritis
  • Digital ulcers

Genetics

• [Disease name] is transmitted in [mode of genetic transmission] pattern.
• Genes involved in the pathogenesis of [disease name] include [gene1], [gene2], and [gene3].
• The development of [disease name] is the result of multiple genetic mutations.

Gross Pathology

• On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].

Microscopic Pathology

• On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].