What is Crest syndrome?
Crest syndrome is a potentially serious disorder that causes damage to the skin and soft connective tissues in the body. The name of the condition is an abbreviation that means its main symptoms: calcinosis, raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysothelite, sclerodactyly and telangiectasia. People who have Crest syndrome can experience acute or chronic episodes of hand and leg pain, skin lesions, joint stiffness, fatigue and many other complications. Treatment can consist of daily use of drugs, lifestyle changes and occasional surgery to remove severely damaged skin or soft tissues.
The causes of the ridge syndrome are not well understood. Some people have a family history of the disease, suggesting a genetic component, but most patients seem to spontaneously develop symptoms. Many studies have associated the state with environmental factors, such as long -term exposure to industrial toxins, adhesids and formaldehyde. The ridge syndrome is more common in women women in men and the average age of onset is about 40.
first folderThe comb syndrome, calcinosis, refers to the accumulation of hard deposits of calcium in soft tissue. It usually affects his fingers, resulting in pain, tenderness and occasionally causing the development of skin ulcers. The Raynaud phenomenon is characterized by changes in the skin in the fingers and feet in response to the fluctuations of stress or temperature. The skin at the ends of the digits can quickly change very pale or blue and numb. The esophagus dysmotility concerns inflammation and partial paralysis of the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing and speaking.
Sclerodactyly is a complication in the fingers and legs that causes the skin to be strong and hard, which can reduce joint mobility. The last element of the ridge syndrome, telangiectasia, is a disorder of blood vessels that causes bleeding and inflammation or in the intestines under it. Patients may have painful open lesions of the skin or severe digestive problems if telangiectasia is present. Not all patients who are diagnosticCrest syndrome, signs of all five components are present; In fact, most people have only two or three symptoms.
A doctor who suspects that Crest syndrome usually performs several diagnostic tests. Blood and skin samples are analyzed in the laboratory and imaging scanning is taken from the fingers and fingers. Specialists carefully document the type and severity of each symptom to make the best decision on treatment.
Most patients are located on daily schedules of drugs consisting of anti -inflammatory drugs that suppress immune suppression and blood pressure regulators. A person with esophageal dysmotility may have to accept a specialized eating plan and Sclerodactyly may require relaxation and thin hard skin. In addition, physical therapy helps many people to rebuild the flexibility in pain. In continuing treatment, most patients are able to effectively handle their conditions and enjoy everyday life.