Rheumatology in Arizona

Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) Service

The Mayo Clinic in Arizona Scleroderma Service is comprised of physicians from several Mayo specialties who collaborate to provide comprehensive evaluations and organized care that improves the quality of life for those affected by scleroderma and associated disorders (such as Raynaud's phenomenon). The Scleroderma Service also conducts advanced research into new treatments and the cause of scleroderma, both the diffuse and limited/CREST forms of the illness.

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the body to overproduce collagen and results in abnormal thickening and hardening of the skin. This build-up along with changes in small-sized blood vessels also caused by the illness can affect nearly any area of the body, including the skin, digestive tract, lungs, kidneys, heart and muscles.

Symptoms may include:

• Color changes (white, blue or red) in the fingers, toes, nose, and less frequently in the ears, usually associated with pain or numbness, often brought on by cold or emotional distress (also known as Raynaud's phenomenon)
• Skin-related symptoms including thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity, often occurring first on the hands and facial areas
• Sores or small ulcers of the finger pads and knuckles
• Digestive tract-related symptoms including inability to open the mouth widely, difficulty swallowing, increased heartburn/esophageal reflux and esophagitis (gastroesophageal reflux or GERD)
• Shortness of breath on exertion or cough caused by lung complications of pulmonary fibrosis (over-production of collagen in the lungs) or pulmonary hypertension
• Kidney failure and high blood pressure

Scleroderma affects approximately 300,000 people in the United States alone. There is no known cure for scleroderma, but new clinical trials are in development.

Because scleroderma affects multiple organs in addition to the skin, many medical and surgical specialties are often involved in patient care, evaluation and management. The Scleroderma Service at Mayo Clinic in Arizona brings together physicians in scleroderma-related medical and surgical specialties to provide coordinated and comprehensive evaluation and treatment. The Scleroderma Service includes specialists from:

• Rheumatology
• Dermatology
• Gastroenterology / Esophageal Clinic
• Hepatology
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Cardiology
• Nephrology
• Plastic/Reconstructive Hand Surgery
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Wound Care

Benefits to being seen at the Scleroderma Service include:

• Complete care at one location
• Coordinated and expedited multi-specialty evaluation as necessary
• Comprehensive work-ups
• Specialist opinion regarding diagnosis and treatment
• Opportunity to participate in clinical trials investigating new treatments and the cause of scleroderma

Click here to make an appointment at the Scleroderma Service.