Limited scleroderma (CREST syndrome)

Limited scleroderma, or: CREST syndrome, is one subtype of the heterogeneous group of sclerodermas, a condition that literally means “hardened skin”. CREST syndrome is believed to be an autoimmune disease. Its name is an acronym for the common clinical features of the syndrome, which are calcinosis cutis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasias.

Diagnosis is clinical, but lab tests are used for confirmation of the disorder. Laboratory diagnosis of limited scleroderma includes detection of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), Scl-70 antibodies, anticentromeric antibodies.