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File:IPLab6Scleroderma5.jpg|This is a gross photograph of the heart from this case. There is thickening of the left ventricular wall and some thickening of the right ventricle as well.
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== Study Questions ==
* <spoiler text="What organs are usually affected in patients with scleroderma (progressive systemic sclerosis, PSS)?">Skin, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, heart, muscles, and lungs.</spoiler>
* <spoiler text="What are the common clinical ramifications of PSS?">The striking cutaneous involvement is the primary clinical problem in many early cases. Raynaud's phenomenon, dysphagia due to esophageal fibrosis and hypomotility, abdominal pain, and intestinal obstruction are caused by fibrosis and scaring of these tissues. The respiratory problems are caused by pulmonary fibrosis. Chronic pulmonary fibrosis may lead to right-sided heart failure.</spoiler>
* <spoiler text="What is the etiology of PSS?">The exact etiology of PSS is not known. PSS is associated with excessive fibrosis, changes in the microvasculature, and a variety of immunologic abnormalities including T cell and humoral abnormalities that either cause or are caused by cytokines. The antigens that trigger the immune response have not been identified.</spoiler>
* <spoiler text="What is the CREST syndrome?">Some patients with a milder form of PSS may demonstrate the CREST syndrome. CREST stands for calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia, and the presence of anticentromere antibodies. These patients usually have less skin involvement of skin, and the more serious visceral problems do not develop until later in the course of the disease.
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{{IPLab 6}}
[[Category: IPLab:Lab 6]]