Figure 1.

SSc involved tissue, of which the lung is one example, experiences transition from healthy tissue to fibrosis as inflammation is incited and progressively extends within resident organs. Vascular injury with tissue hypoxia is an important factor to the development of tissue fibrosis. Symptoms and disability can be transient with active inflammation with systemic treatment. Over time untreated inflammation irreparably injures effected tissue resulting in scarring and fibrosis. Fibrosis is irreversible and results in permanent organ-related disability. (Courtesy of LA Saketkoo, rights reserved)