Vascular involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

The vascular endothelium came into view almost three decades ago following the introduction of the vascular hypothesis in scleroderma pathogenesis by Dr LeRoy. Since that time, the endothelial cells, and other vascular cells, became the focus of investigations aimed at eludicating the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of scleroderma. This review will summarize Dr LeRoy's commitment to the disease, the relevant progress made since the introduction of the vascular hypothesis, and what we have learned since then about the vascular disease in scleroderma.