Vascular, Soft Tissue, and Musculoskeletal Imaging in Systemic Sclerosis

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2024 Nov;50(4):661-681. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2024.07.006. Epub 2024 Sep 16.

Abstract

This review examines the role of various imaging techniques in assessing vascular and musculoskeletal manifestations in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Imaging modalities, such as thermography, capillaroscopy, ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, laser speckle contrast analysis, radiography, computed tomography, and MRI, offer valuable insights into SSc-related complications. Findings suggest that these techniques aid in diagnosing conditions like Raynaud phenomenon, digital ulcers, calcinosis, acro-osteolysis, and hand contractures. However, each modality has its advantages and limitations, necessitating a multimodal approach for comprehensive evaluation and accurate diagnosis of SSc-related manifestations.

Keywords: Imaging; Musculoskeletal; Soft tissue; Systemic sclerosis; Vascular.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Calcinosis / etiology
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods
  • Humans
  • Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Microscopic Angioscopy / methods
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / etiology
  • Raynaud Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Raynaud Disease / etiology
  • Scleroderma, Systemic* / complications
  • Scleroderma, Systemic* / diagnostic imaging
  • Thermography / methods
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Ultrasonography / methods
  • Vascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Vascular Diseases / etiology