[Recent dermatologic aspects in collagenoses].

Abstract

Advances in sero-immunological diagnostic procedures have led to more precise nosologic classification or subdivision of the family of the connective tissue diseases. Assessment of the prognosis and the course of the disease has thereby been improved, and more specific therapeutic measures have become possible as well. The current clinical and serological classification of lupus erythematosus and scleroderma are reviewed, new atypical and overlapping forms of connective tissue diseases are also pointed out. Recent clinical and diagnostic aspects of dermato-(poly-) myositis are considered. Several scleroderma-like conditions which are especially important in the differential diagnosis of acroscleroderma are discussed.