What is CREST Syndrome?

CREST Syndrome is an older name for what is currently known as Scleroderma Disease. The pneumonic CREST referred to the symptoms and complications most commonly associated with the disease. These are: Calcinosis, Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Esophageal Dysfunction, Sclerodactility, and Telangiectasias.

The following identify the main features of teh CREST pneumonic identifying the most common signs and symptoms of Scleroderma Disease:

Calcinosis, refers to excessive calcium deposits under the skin.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which causes spasms in the blood vessels, often in the hands and sometimes in the feet.

Esophageal Dysfunction, poor swollowing abilities and regurgitation (based on the US spelling of esophagus).

Sclerodactyly, which is a localized thickening and tightening of the cutaneous (skin) layers of the fingers and toes.

Telangiectasias, which are small ruptured blood vessels on the cutaneous surface.