Progressive Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)

Abstract

THE skin manifestations of scleroderma have long been recognized and adequately described. These features are usually identified readily, particularly in the later phases of the disease when the spectacular, hardened, bound-down, wrinkleless appearance of the skin is so characteristic as to supply a descriptive name for the illness. This term refers to the most apparent manifestation of scleroderma and may, in part, explain the lack of emphasis on involvement of other body systems in the course of the disease.As early as 1897, Hektoen1 indicated that the disease was not limited to the skin. In a single case, he reported . . .