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Review
. 2016;54(6):296-305.
doi: 10.5114/reum.2016.64906. Epub 2016 Dec 30.

Recognizing systemic sclerosis: comparative analysis of various sets of classification criteria

Katarzyna Romanowska-Próchnicka  1 , Marcela Walczyk  2 , Marzena Olesińska  2
Affiliations
Review

Recognizing systemic sclerosis: comparative analysis of various sets of classification criteria

Katarzyna Romanowska-Próchnicka et al. Reumatologia. 2016.

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis is a complex disease characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy and tissue fibrosis. Although most patients present with some degree of skin sclerosis, which is a distinguishing hallmark, the clinical presentation vary greatly complicating the diagnosis. In this regard, new classification criteria were jointly published in 2013 by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). A recent major development in the classification criteria is improved sensitivity, particularly for detecting early disease. The new criteria allow more cases to be classified as having systemic sclerosis (SSc), which leads to earlier treatment. Moreover it is clinically beneficial in preventing the disease progression with its irreversible fibrosis and organ damage. The aim of this review is to give insight into new classification criteria and current trends in the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis.

Keywords: 1980 ACR classification criteria; new classification ACR/EULAR criteria 2013; systemic sclerosis.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Puffy fingers (PuFy).
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Fig. 2
Digital tip ulcer.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Teleangiectasia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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