title: Digital ischemia in scleroderma spectrum of diseases.
abstract: Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma, SSc) is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by widespread vasculopathy and extracellular matrix deposition leading to fibrosis and autoimmune processes. Digital ischemia (digital ulcers (DUs)) is the hallmark of SSc-related vasculopathy and is characterized by endothelial dysfunction leading to intimal proliferation and thrombosis. It happens frequently (30% of the patients each year) and it is associated with significant morbidity. This paper summarizes the current information regarding pathogenesis, definitions, management, and exploratory therapies in DUs associated with SSc.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schiopu
authors.forename: Ann J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Impens
authors.forename: Kristine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Phillips