Crest Syndrome
Also written as: CREST — Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Oesophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, Telangiectasia
A limited form of systemic sclerosis characterised by calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, oesophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia, with oral manifestations including widened periodontal ligament space.
Full Definition
CREST syndrome is an acronym-based eponym for a limited cutaneous variant of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), where each letter corresponds to a cardinal feature: Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Oesophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia. Oral medicine relevance stems from the characteristic widening of the periodontal ligament space visible radiographically, microstomia (reduced mouth opening), and mucosal telangiectasias. Editors must note that 'CREST' should be written in all capitals as an acronym; however, 'CREST syndrome' is gradually being superseded by 'limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc)' in current literature. Both forms may appear in the same document and should be reconciled per house style.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalise as 'CREST'. Note the trend toward 'limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc)' in newer publications; align with the target journal's preferred terminology.
In Context
- "Widening of the periodontal ligament space on panoramic radiography prompted investigation for CREST syndrome in this 45-year-old female patient." — Clinical oral medicine report
- "The manuscript used 'Crest syndrome' in lowercase; this was corrected to 'CREST syndrome' in accordance with the acronym's all-capitals convention." — Proofreading correction