Calcinosis in systemic sclerosis: subsets, distribution and complications.

Objective: To retrospectively analyse the features of calcinosis in a cohort of SSc patients.

Methods: Charts of SSc patients attending the Ulcer Unit of the Rheumatology Department, University of Florence and presenting a clinical suspicion of calcinosis were considered in the study. Data on clinical history, including recent skin changes, and clinical examination of all areas with suspected calcinosis, radiological imaging of the calcinotic area, demographics and SSc-related organ involvement and pain measured by a visual analogue scale were recorded.

Autologous mesenchymal stem cells foster revascularization of ischemic limbs in systemic sclerosis: a case report.

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into endothelial cells and participate in angiogenesis in adults. In experimental models of acute myocardial infarction, mesenchymal stem cells led to the recovery of cardiac function through the formation of a new vascular network.

Objective: To describe treatment with intravenous infusions of expanded autologous mesenchymal stem cells in 1 patient with critical limb ischemia due to systemic sclerosis.

Digital ulcers in scleroderma: staging, characteristics and sub-setting through observation of 1614 digital lesions.

Objective: To evaluate in SSc, the frequency of digital lesions and the morphology, characteristics, natural course and time to healing of 1614 digital ulcers (DUs).

Methods: One hundred SSc patients were followed up for 4 years. In the first step, the digital lesions were observed and classified at the time of presentation [digital pitting scar (DPS); DU; calcinosis; gangrene].

Vitamin E gel reduces time of healing of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis.

Background: In systemic sclerosis (SSc), digital ulcers (DU) are painful, difficult to heal and frequently infected, thus greatly affecting quality of life and increasing SSc-related disability. Vitamin E has been previously used in cutaneous lesions for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Objectives: To study the healing effect of D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (acetic ester of alpha-tocopherol) (VE) gel on DU of SSc patients.