Definition of CREST syndrome

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).

Common Misspellings: crest syndrone