Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, chronic connective tissue disease affecting the skin, musculoskeletal system and internal organs. SSc occurs predominantly in women, begins usually in middle age, and the overall survival rate is reduced - 70% of patients survive 10 years.
Despite the advances in pharmacotherapy of organ complications and new insights into the pathogenesis of SSc, there is no effective treatment for this serious disorder. The aim of this review article is to introduce this rare disease, its main symptoms, basic principles of diagnosis and current treatment, and contribute to early diagnosis and better prognosis of patients with SSc