Evidence suggests that endothelin may have a fundamental role in scleroderma pathogenesis, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)--a leading cause of death in patients with scleroderma. Development of a new class of drug, endothelin receptor antagonists, heralds an improved outlook for patients with scleroderma and related diseases. Heightened vigilance towards early detection of PAH in scleroderma and a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment may improve clinical outcomes for these patients.