Purpose Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by calcification, vasculopathy, and endothelial wall damage, all of which can increase the risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine if atherosclerosis is increased in patients with SSc compared to healthy individuals. Methods We performed a systematic search of studies published in PubMed and the Cochrane database up to May 2010, and reviewed recently-published abstracts. Two reviewers independently screened articles to identify studies comparing rates of atherosclerosis in SSc patients vs. healthy controls using one of the following modalities: angiography, doppler ultrasound to assess plaque and carotid intima-medial thickness (CIMT), computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, flow mediated dilation (FMD), ankle-brachial index, or autopsy findings. For CIMT and FMD, we computed a pooled estimate of the summary mean difference (MD) and explored predictors of CIMT using random-effects meta-regression. Results Of 3,156 articles initially identified, 33 were selected for the systematic review. Meta-analysis included 14 CIMT and 7 FMD studies. Compared to healthy controls, SSc patients had higher prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular calcification. Meta-analysis showed SSc subjects had increased CIMT [MD 0.11mm (95% CI 0.05, 0.17), P=0.0006] and lower FMD [MD -3.07% (95%CI -5.44, -0.69), P=0.01]. There was marked heterogeneity between the studies, namely from variations in disease duration and difference in mean/median age between SSc and control groups. Conclusion Patients with SSc have increased atherosclerosis compared to healthy controls. Further studies should elucidate the mechanism of this increased risk.

SSc-GIT involvement is associated with depressed mood. Reflux and constipation scales of UCLA-SCTC GIT 2.0 were independently associated with CES-D. Future studies should assess if treatment of GIT symptoms will improve depressed mood in patients with SSc-GIT.

Adrenal hemorrhage is a largely uncommon condition typically caused by a number of factors including infection, MI, CHF, anticoagulants, trauma, surgery, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Yet, idiopathic bilateral hemorrhage is rare. The authors present a case of a 63-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain that was eventually diagnosed as bilateral adrenal hemorrhages due to an unknown origin. Abdominal CT revealed normal adrenal glands without enlargement, but an MRI displayed enlargement due to hemorrhage in both adrenals. There was no known cause; the patient had not suffered from an acute infection and was not on anticoagulants, and the patient's history did not reveal any of the other known causative factors. The case underscores the importance of keeping bilateral adrenal hemorrhages on the list of differentials even when a cause is not immediately clear. It also raises the question of whether CT is the most sensitive test in the diagnosis of adrenal hemorrhage and whether the diagnostic approach should place greater weight on MRI. The case highlights the need for prompt therapy with steroids once bilateral hemorrhage is suspected to avert the development or progression of adrenal insufficiency.

Using European League Against Rheumatism suggestions for PTCs, a general outline for PTCs for controlled clinical trials in SSc was developed. Specific outlines for individual organ systems are to be published separately. This general outline should lead to more uniform and higher-quality trials and clearly delineate areas where further research is needed.