The pathogenesis, diagnostic utility and clinical relevance of cutaneous telangiectasia in systemic sclerosis.

Cutaneous telangiectasia (Tel) are visible permanently dilated postcapillary dermal venules and are one of the most common disease-specific manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Telangiectasia have long been recognised for their utility in the diagnosis and classification of SSc, but the clinical and prognostic relevance of these aberrant cutaneous vascular manifestations has been somewhat neglected by clinicians. Similarly, the impact of SSc-Tel on body image dissatisfaction and social discomfort has been under-appreciated. The paucity of evidence-based approaches to management has limited access to potential effective treatments for SSc-Tel. The present review examines the pathogenesis, diagnostic value, impact and clinical relevance of telangiectasia in SSc. We highlight the potentially overlooked prognostic value and clinical utility of SSc-Tel, as part of a broader appraisal of areas of unmet research need.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: JDP has undertaken consultancy work, received educational support and/or speaker honoraria from Janssen, Astra Zeneca, Boehringer-Ingelheim, CSL Vifor, IsoMab, Permeatus Inc, and Sojournix Pharma. LKH has received research or consulting support from Boehringer-Ingelheim, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, CSH Behring, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Horizon Pharmaceuticals, Biotest. AAS has received research support for clinical trials from Arena Pharmaceuticals, Kadmon Corporation, Eicos Sciences and Medpace LLC. RTD has received support in the form of consulting fees from AstraZeneca, Aisa Pharma and CSL Behring.
(Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)