Diagnostic Value of Video-Dermatoscopy in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis and Dermatomyositis with Its Relation to Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (S.VEGF)

Abstract

ystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic connective tissue disease characterized by essential vasomotor disturbances, fibrosis, subsequent atrophy of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles and internal organs (e.g., alimentary tract, lungs, heart, kidney, CNS) with immunologic disturbances accompany these findings (Park et al., 2015). It is due to Excessive collagen deposition which causes skin and internal organ changes. Many factors, including environmental factors, can lead to immunologic system disturbances and vascular changes. Endothelial alterations may lead to a cascade of stimulatory changes that involve many cells, including fibroblasts, T lymphocytes, macrophages and mast cells. In turn, the activated cells secrete a variety of substances, including cytokines and their soluble receptors and enzymes and their inhibitors. These substances lead to changes in the extracellular matrix compounds, including fibronectin, proteoglycans and collagen types I, III, V, and VII. Increased collagen deposition in tissues is a characteristic feature of systemic sclerosis (Sakkas, 2005).