Systemic Sclerosis : Recent Advances and New Perspectives

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem autoimmune disease involving vasculopathy and immune activation that leads to the deposition of extracellular matrix and the development of fibrosis, resulting in cardinal clinical problems. Systemic Sclerosis - Recent Advances and New Perspectives provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and specific management of the clinical manifestations of SSc. The book addresses the current understanding of the causes and consequences of inflammatory activation, chromosomal instability, and activating factors. Special emphasis is placed on diagnosis, from the recognition of very early systemic sclerosis and consideration of its treatment to diagnostic methods for microvascular and pulmonary involvement. It also highlights the less life-threatening but very common manifestations of bone and skeletal muscle involvement, which affect patient quality of life.