Scleroderma.

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a complex disease in which extensive fibrosis, vascular alterations, and autoantibodies against various cellular antigens are among the principal features There are two major subgroups in the commonly accepted classification of scleroderma: limited cutaneous scleroderma and diffuse cutaneous scleroderma. In limited cutaneous scleroderma, fibrosis is mainly restricted to the hands, arms, and face. Raynaud's phenomenon is present for several years before fibrosis appears, pulmonary hypertension is frequent, and anticentromere antibodies occur in 50 to 90% of patients