Digital gangrene in systemic sclerosis patients: not only due to the microvascular disease

ConclusionSmoking history; positive-ACA, ANCA, and anti-phospholipid antibodies; and increased ESR were independent risk factors for digital gangrenes in SSc. Vasculitis and macrovascular disease may contribute to the progression of digital gangrenes.Key Points•18.6% of SSc patients with digital gangrene had macrovascular stenosis.•Smoking, positive-ACA, ANCA, aPL, and increased ESR were indicators for digital gangrenes in SSc.•Vasculitis and macrovascular disease may involve in the pathogenesis.
Source: Clinical Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research