Definition of CREST syndrome

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CREST syndrome: A limited form of scleroderma, a disease of connective tissue with the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and sometimes also in other organs of the body.

CREST stands for:

• C ... Calcinosis (the formation of tiny deposits of calcium in the skin),
• R ... Raynaud's phenomenon (spasm of the tiny artery vessels supplying blood to the fingers, toes, nose, tongue, or ears),
• E ... Esophagus (esophageal involvement by the scleroderma),
• S ... Sclerodactyly (localized thickening and tightness of the skin of the fingers or toes) and
• T ... Telangiectasias (dilated capillaries that form tiny red areas, frequently on the face, hands and in the mouth behind the lips).