Which form of scleroderma tends to involve the trunk and proximal extremities and is associated with anti-SCL-70 antibodies?

Which form of scleroderma tends to involve the trunk and proximal extremities and is associated with anti-SCL-70 antibodies?

• A. Diffuse systemic sclerosis
• B. CREST syndrome
• C. Localized scleroderma
• D. Sjogren syndrome

Answer: (A)

Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis is the form that tends to involve the trunk and proximal extremities and is associated with anti-SCL-70 antibodies. This pattern reflects widespread skin thickening that extends beyond the hands and face early on, often with internal organ involvement such as interstitial lung disease linked to anti-topoisomerase I (anti-Scl-70). In contrast, limited cutaneous sclerosis (CREST) mainly affects the face, hands, and forearms and is usually tied to anti-centromere antibodies; localized scleroderma involves only skin patches without systemic illness; Sjogren syndrome is a different autoimmune disease with sicca symptoms and distinct antibodies.

Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis is the form that tends to involve the trunk and proximal extremities and is associated with anti-SCL-70 antibodies. This pattern reflects widespread skin thickening that extends beyond the hands and face early on, often with internal organ involvement such as interstitial lung disease linked to anti-topoisomerase I (anti-Scl-70). In contrast, limited cutaneous sclerosis (CREST) mainly affects the face, hands, and forearms and is usually tied to anti-centromere antibodies; localized scleroderma involves only skin patches without systemic illness; Sjogren syndrome is a different autoimmune disease with sicca symptoms and distinct antibodies.