Scleroderma is classified as a rare, autoimmune, collagen-vascular disease of unknown etiology that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Its onset can be insidious or rapid; the symptoms range ...

Scleroderma is an autoimmune connective-tissue disease whose ... abnormal vascular endothelium, and an exaggerated production of fibroblasts that results in abnormal collagen buildup (see Figure).