Title: CREST Syndrome - What is?, Pictures, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis
Headings: CREST Syndrome
CREST Syndrome
Definition
Symptoms
Tight hardened skin
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Red spot marks on the skin
Lumps beneath the skin
Difficulty in swallowing
Classification
Causes of CREST Syndrome
Risk factors
Complications
Diagnosis
Blood test
Biopsy of the skin sample
Heart, lung and gastrointestinal tests
CREST Syndrome Treatment
Antibiotics
Antacids
Antihypertensive drugs
Immunosuppressive medications
Rehabilitation Therapy
References

Content: Regional blood circulation can totally obstruct in case of a severe Raynaud’s phenomenon and ulcer may develop. Usually fingers and toes often get affected and delayed healing leads to increase the chance of gangrene of fingers or toes due to narrowed blood vessels. Stiffness of the lung tissue lead to a lower functioning capability of the lungs and can cause an increase work load of the heart and heart muscle becomes weakened. Cardiac problem like arrhythmias and myocarditis gradually develop due to progression of the CREST syndrome. Severe contraction of the facial skin leads to difficulty in opening and widening mouth and it may create difficulty in brushing of the teeth. Due to esophageal impairment can cause acid reflux and that able to obliterate tooth enamel, and alteration of the gum muscles may lead to loosen tooth hold. In severe CREST syndrome patient also complain about dry eyes and mouth. ( 1)
Diagnosis
The CREST syndrome diagnosis is based on symptomatic examination and medical history analysis. In addition following tests are also conducted for determination of the underlying cause and severity judgment: Blood test
Analysis of the involve antibodies is assessed through a blood test, though this is not provided confirmatory result, as every individual has not contain the suspected identified antibodies.