CREST syndrome, also known as the limited cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis (lcSSc), is a multisystem connective tissue disorder. The acronym "CREST" refers to the five main features:  calcinosis, Raynauds phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia.CREST syndrome is associated with detectable antibodies against centromeres (a component of the cell nucleus), and usually spares the kidneys (a feature more common in the related condition systemic scleroderma). If the lungs are involved, it is usually in the form of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Signs and symptoms
Calcinosis
CREST causes thickening and tightening of the skin with deposition of calcific nodules ("calcinosis"). Raynauds phenomenon
Raynauds phenomenon is frequently the first manifestation of CREST/lcSSc, preceding other symptoms by years. Stress and cold temperature induce an exaggerated vasoconstriction of the small arteries, arterioles, and thermoregulatory vessels of the skin of the digits. Clinically this manifests as a white-blue-red transition in skin color. Underlying this transition is pallor and cyanosis of the digits, followed by a reactive hyperemia as they rewarm. When extreme and frequent, this phenomenon can lead to digital ulcerations, gangrene, or amputation. Ulceration can predispose to chronic infections of the involved site. Esophageal dysmotility
Presents as a sensation of food getting stuck (dysphagia) in the mid- or lower esophagus, atypical chest pain, or cough. People often state they must drink liquids to swallow solid food. This motility problem results from atrophy of the gastrointestinal tract wall smooth muscle. This change may occur with or without pathologic evidence of significant tissue fibrosis.
Arava, Aravah or Arabah may refer to:

Places
Arava, Estonia, a village in Anija Commune, Harju County, Estonia
Arava(h) (Hebrew) or Arabah (Arabic), a section of the Great Rift Valley between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba in Israel and Jordan

Other uses
Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, an Israeli study programme
Arava Power Company, an Israeli solar energy company
Arava Shahaf (born 1990), Israeli footballer
Arava spider, a huntsman spider found in the southern Arava Valley of Israel and Jordan
Arava, a brand name for the antirheumatic drug leflunomide
IAI Arava, a plane manufactured by Israel Aircraft Industries
Aravah (Sukkot), a willow branch, one of the Four Species used on the Jewish holiday of Sukkot

See also
Arraba (disambiguation)
Araba (disambiguation)