CREST Syndrome
Sounds like a term referring to dental hygiene, doesn’t it? In fact, it is an acronym for a group of signs and symptoms that are associated with one form of scleroderma - Ruth Werner

image by: HWN
HWN Suggests
Treating Patients With CREST Syndrome
CREST syndrome is characterized by slow onset and variable presentation, making study of its epidemiological features difficult. Also, there is a lack of uniformity in diagnostic criteria. A systematic literature review found that in 50% of cases, Raynaud phenomenon was the first symptom that appeared, and, in many cases, years before diagnosis. Raynaud phenomenon, however, is also common in other connective tissue diseases, which may explain why some cases of CREST are misdiagnosed. A better diagnostic model for CREST is needed.
Featured
The Difference Between Lupus and CREST Syndrome
Women are more likely to develop CREST syndrome than men. It is more common in people between the ages of 30 and 50.
Articles of Interest
CREST Syndrome in Systemic Sclerosis Patients – Is Dystrophic Calcinosis a Key Element to a Positive Diagnosis?
CREST syndrome is a clinical entity associated with systemic sclerosis, which meets at least three of the five clinical features: calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia. Three of these clinical features (Raynaud’s phenomenon, sclerodactyly and esophageal dysmotility) are often present in classical subsets of SSc: limited and diffuse, and their presence in association does not define CREST syndrome. Calcinosis seems to be less common in SSc and its association with other clinical features is characteristic of CREST syndrome. Therefore, it can be appreciated that calcinosis is the key element of CREST syndrome.
CREST syndrome)
CREST syndrome, also known as limited scleroderma and more commonly referred to today as limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc), is a subtype of systemic sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease. It is characterized by immune system dysfunction, damage to small blood vessels, and progressive fibrosis (hardening and thickening) of the skin and connective tissues.
CREST Syndrome: Understanding the Limited Form of Scleroderma
When you hear the word scleroderma, you may think of a rare disease that causes skin thickening. While that is true, scleroderma is a complex autoimmune disorder that affects connective tissue and can involve many organs. Among its different forms, CREST syndrome is one of the most recognized. CREST syndrome is also known as limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc). It is considered a limited form of systemic scleroderma because it usually affects the skin of the hands, arms, and face, but it can also impact internal organs in more subtle ways. Understanding its features, risks, and treatment options can empower patients and families to manage this lifelong condition effectively.
Resources
Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center
Limited scleroderma means only limited areas of skin are thick; usually just the fingers and/or face. Limited scleroderma is the milder form of scleroderma. It is more common among Caucasians than other populations. Every person with scleroderma is different and has a different pattern of symptoms. The CREST syndrome is a type of limited scleroderma.
Autoimmune Association
There is no evidence that the basic process differs from the usual scleroderma, but the tempo of CREST seems to be different in that organ involvement comes slower and later in the course of the disease.
Autoimmune Registry
CREST is a subtype of scleroderma, a connective tissue disease characterized by changes in the skin, blood vessels, skeletal muscles, and internal organs.
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
CREST syndrome. Sounds like a term referring to dental hygiene, doesn’t it? In fact, it is an acronym for a group of signs and symptoms that are associated with one form of scleroderma, an autoimmune disease.
Physiopedia
CREST syndrome (also known as Cutaneous systemic sclerosis or limited scleroderma ) is an autoimmune disease that has been defined as a subtype of progressive systemic sclerosis (SSc) with limited skin involvement. [1]The word "CREST " is an acronym for the clinical features that are seen in a patient with this disease:
ScienceDirect
A more benign, chronic, and localized variant of scleroderma is called CREST syndrome (formerly known as acrosclerosis). The five clinical features of this disease (calcinosis cutis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal involvement, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia). Calcinosis is a unique feature of CREST.

