Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is a disease in which inflammatory and fibrotic changes result in overproduction and accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins, resulting in intimal vascular damage, fibrosis, and occasionally organ dysfunction affecting the gastrointestinal, lung, heart, and renal systems. There are two classifications of SSc—limited cutaneous or CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud’s, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangectasias) syndrome, where skin thickening occurs mainly in the distal extremities and facial/neck areas and internal organ involvement, if present, occurs later in the disease process; and diffuse cutaneous disease where there is a more rapid progression of skin thickening from distal to proximal and organ involvement can be severe and occur early in the disease. As noted by various authors, there is no “crystal ball” into which one can look to see the outcome of the disease, and involvement varies significantly from one person to the next.
Articles by Staff
RheumPAC: It’s Not About Politics
The best thing about RheumPAC is that it’s not political.
To Fix Health Policy, You (Yes, You) Have to Get Involved
I can’t tell you how many times I have conversed with a colleague about the state of health policy and heard, “It’s broken.” I invariably have to ask, “What have you done to fix it?” Often times I get a blank stare or an excuse about how Congress doesn’t listen.
Coding Corner Answer
July’s Coding Answer
Coding Corner Question
July’s Coding Challenge
Honorary Member Joan “Happy” Tyree Retiring
Staff member Joan “Happy” Tyree has worked in arthritis since May 1982, when she joined the staff of the ACR. She began her career with the ARHP in August 1984. During her years at the ARHP, she has worked in membership and educational programs, coordinating the development of more than 26 ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting programs.
2011 ILR Request for Proposals
The International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) is issuing its fourth request for proposals for projects that advance rheumatology in developing countries.
Practice Page
ZPIC Medicare Audits: What’s in Store for Physicians?
Revising Fibromyalgia: One Year Later
The 2010 ACR fibromyalgia criteria capture the broader clinical picture and help ensure more appropriate diagnosis and management by primary care
Innovation Brings Specialist Services to the Underserved
Project ECHO trains general practitioners and midlevel providers in the basic arts of rheumatology
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