Systemic scleroderma
（重定向自Systemic sclerosis）
![](/Images/godic/202502/14/Systemic_sclerosis_finger0127.jpg")
![Endoscopic image of peptic stricture, or narrowing of the esophagus near the junction with the stomach due to chronic gastroesophageal reflux. This is the most common cause of dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, in scleroderma.](/Images/godic/202502/14/Peptic_stricture0127.png")
![Micrograph showing thrombotic microangiopathy, the histomorphologic finding seen in scleroderma renal crisis. Kidney biopsy. PAS stain.](/Images/godic/202502/14/Thrombotic_microangiopathy_-_very_high_mag0127.jpg")
Systemic sclerosis or systemic scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. It is characterized by thickening of the skin caused by accumulation of collagen, and by injuries to the smallest arteries. There are two overlapping forms. Limited cutaneous scleroderma is limited to the skin on the face, hands and feet. Diffuse cutaneous scleroderma covers more of the skin, and is at risk of progressing to the visceral organs, including the kidneys, heart, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.