Clin Exp Rheumatol
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Review Case Reports
Scleroderma renal crisis as an initial presentation of systemic sclerosis: a case report and review of the literature.
Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is a life-threatening complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) that is characterised by new-onset malignant hypertension and progressive acute renal failure, often with associated microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia. SRC was at one time almost uniformly fatal, with death often occurring within a few weeks. ⋯ In this report, we present a case in which a patient developed SRC prior to being diagnosed with scleroderma. Additionally, we review the pathogenesis, presenting signs and symptoms, management and prognosis of SRC.