CREST Syndrome - A systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease it is a member of the
heterogeneous group of sclerodermas.
Women have a greater incidence of scleroderma than men. This difference appears greater
during childbearing years.
Affects women more frequently than men - 6:1
CREST syndrome is a type of systemic scleroderma and an ongoing, progressive, autoimmune
disease that attacks the connective tissues of the body and can also affect any part
of the body.
CREST is an acronym for a group of conditions that are hallmarks of CREST syndrome
and affect the skin, muscles, digestive tract and other organs and blood vessels.
CREST is an acronym for the five main features.
Calcinosis
Raynaud's Syndrome
Esophageal Dysmotility
Sclerodactyly
Telangiectasia
Also known as or related to Crest:
Calcinosis.
Raynauds Syndrome.
Sclerodactyly.
Oesophageal Involvement.
Telangiectasia Syndrome.
lcssc (limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis).
Localised Cutaneous Scleroderma.
Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis.
Systemic Sclerosis with limited cutaneous involvement (disorder).
The exact cause of CREST syndrome is not known, but it is classified as an autoimmune
disease.
In an autoimmune disease, such as CREST syndrome, the body's immune system mistakes
healthy tissues as foreign and potentially dangerous invaders into the body and attacks
them. This process results in an excessive production of a protein called collagen
and a hardening of tissues, which can seriously affect many of the body systems.
Symptoms of CREST can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Typical symptoms include:
Paleness.
Coldness.
Swelling and numbness of the fingers and toes.
Thickening of the skin of the hands and feet.
Serious symptoms and complications can occur and may include:
Difficulty swallowing.
Kidney damage.
Hypertension.
Abnormal heart rhythms.
It is possible that a diagnosis of CREST syndrome can be missed or delayed because
some symptoms may be associated with other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment varies depending on:
The severity of symptoms.
The presence of complications.
A person's age and medical history, and other factors.
CREST syndrome cannot be cured, but supportive care can help to reduce symptoms.
