The many faces of scleroderma sine scleroderma: a literature review focusing on cardiopulmonary complications

Rheumatol Int. 2009 Jun;29(8):861-8. doi: 10.1007/s00296-009-0878-7. Epub 2009 Feb 27.

Abstract

Scleroderma sine scleroderma (ssSSc) is an occult form of systemic sclerosis that may cause diagnostic difficulties due to the absence of skin involvement. Delays in the diagnosis of ssSSc means lost opportunites to address and treat the often lethal involvement of internal organs such as the lungs and heart. In this systemic review we collected all published cases of ssSSc using EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science from 1950 to present. Our purpose was to describe the range and frequency of the clinical manifestations of ssSSc. A total of 108 published cases of ssSSc were analyzed. Lung involvement was present in 66% of cases. Peripheral vascular system involvement was present in all patients whereas gastrointestinal manifestations were present in 82% of the cases. Overall the clinical presentation is subtle and heightened clinical awareness is required to facilitate prompt recognition and treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Female
  • Heart Diseases / complications
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / complications
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / complications
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / complications
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / diagnosis*
  • Vascular Diseases / complications
  • Vascular Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Young Adult