| Systemic
Sclerosis: Scleroderma in Overlap, MCTD, UCTD |
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page was written by Shelley
Ensz and has not yet been medically edited. See Disclaimer. |
|
|
| Scleroderma in Overlap |
| When Systemic Sclerosis (in either
the Limited or the Diffuse form) appears in conjunction with
features of one or more other connective tissue diseases (such
as Systemic
Lupus Erythematosus, Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis) it
is called "overlap." (Also see: What
is Scleroderma?) |
| Sclerodermiform linear lupus erythematosus: A distinct entity or coexistence of two autoimmune diseases? A Case Report. The coexistence of features of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus and scleroderma in the same skin lesions is very infrequent and has only been reported in 3 patients. (ScienceDirect) Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol 58, Issue 4, April 2008, Pp 665-667. (Also see: Lupus) |
| Systemic Sclerosis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus have Distinct Gene Expression Profiles in the Peripheral Blood Cells. These data show that a limited number of genes reliably distinguished SSc from SLE. Shervin Assassi. 38/38. ACR 2007. (Also see: Lupus) |
| Anticentromere Antibodies (ACA) Identify Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) and Autoimmune Overlap Syndrome. The presence of ACA among patients with SS allows identification of a subset of patients with "SS overlap syndrome," who show a wide diversity of autoimmunity, encompassing but not limited to limited cutaneous sclerosis (SSc). J Rheumatol 2007;34:2253-8 (Also see: Sjogren's Syndrome and Antibodies) |
| Polyautoimmunity In Patients With Systemic Sclerosis(SSc). Polyautoimmunity is frequent in patients with SSc, and autoimmune diseases cluster within families of these patients. A. Rojas-Villarraga THU0314 EULAR 2007. (Also see: Autoimmunity) |
| Multiple sclerosis associated with systemic sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been increasingly reported in association
with other autoimmune diseases not primary affected the nervous system.
We report here the case of a 46-year-old female patient with longstanding
MS since the age of 26, who developed SSc 12 years later. IngentaConnect.
Rheumatology International, Vol 27, No
8, June 2007 , pp. 771-773(3). (Also see: Multiple
Sclerosis) |
| Proliferative vascular retinopathy in polymyositis and dermatomyositis with scleroderma (overlap syndrome). Retinal vascular occlusion with development of proliferative changes can occur in polymyositis/dermatomyositis. PubMed. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2007 Jan-Feb;15(1):45-9. (Also see: Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis, and Eye Involvement) |
| Coexistence of systemic sclerosis with other autoimmune diseases. Our study shows that approximately one third of patients affected by systemic sclerosis developed one or more additional autoimmune diseases. Therefore patients with systemic sclerosis should be carefully evaluated both at onset and during the follow-up for the possible coexistence of other autoimmune disorders. PubMed. Rheumatol Int. 2006 Sep 19. (Also see: MCTD) |
| Multiple sclerosis (MS) associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The report highlights the interesting association between MS and SSc that may be due to an overlapping pathogenetic mechanism for both processes. PubMed. Rheumatol Int. 2006 Dec 14. (Also see: Multiple Sclerosis) |
| Development
of Additional Autoimmune Diseases in a Cohort of Patients
with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). It is likely that this
association is multifactorial in genetically predisposed
individuals. Physicians should remain alert to the possibility
of the development of other autoimmune diseases in patients
with SSc. F. Sivera. SAT0238 EULAR 2006. |
| Infections in systemic connective tissue diseases: systemic
lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis/dermatomyositis. Patients
who have these diseases, especially when receiving high doses
of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy, need to
be monitored closely for these infections. PubMed. Infect
Dis Clin North Am. 2006 Dec;20(4):849-75. (Also see: Scleroderma
Treatments) |
| Anti
PM-Scl antibodies. Study of prevalence and of meaning. Low
prevalence and possible association with an overlap autoimmune
syndrome of quite good prognosis are reported with anti PM-Scl
antibodies. PubMed. Rev Med Interne. 2006 Jun 12. (Also
see: What
are Antibodies?) |
| Clinical
Aspects of Systemic Sclerosis Overlap Syndromes. The
association of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with other connective
tissue diseases (dermato/polymyositis (DM/PM), rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) et al) is poorly understood and is an actively
discussed clinical problem. SSc-PM/DM and SSc-RA overlaps
occur most often. O. V. Desinova. AB0191 EULAR 2005. (Also
see: Dermatomyositis,
and Rheumatoid
Arthritis) |
| Sclerodermic
linear lupus panniculitis: report of two cases. Lupus
erythematosus panniculitis is a rare disease characterized
by deep subcutaneous nodules, most commonly localized on
the upper limbs and face. We present here the clinical characteristics,
course and laboratory findings of 2 patients having linear
lupus erythematosus panniculitis with localized scleroderma-like
changes. PubMed. Dermatology. 2005;210(4):329-32. (Also
see: Lupus and Linear
Scleroderma) |
| A
human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) carrier complicated
with various autoimmune diseases including primary biliary
cirrhosis. A 47-year-old woman diagnosed as having overlap
syndrome with scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus and
possible polymyositis associated with primary biliary cirrhosis.
The tests suggest the possibility of a relationship between
HTLV-1 infection and various autoimmune disorders including
primary biliary cirrhosis. PubMed. Hepatol Res. 2005 Feb
7. (Also see: Liver
Involvement, Lupus,
and Polymyositis) |
| Multiple
autoimmune syndrome Reynolds' syndrome (acral scleroderma,
primary biliary cirrhosis, Sjogren syndrome) associated with
the lupus erythematosus/lichen planus overlap syndrome. Her
findings correspond to type II of the multiple autoimmune
syndrome (MAS) and can be described as an association of
Reynolds syndrome and the lupus erythematosus/lichen planus-overlap
syndrome. PubMed. Hautarzt. 2004 May;55(5):465-70. |
| Serum
matrix metalloproteinase-3 in systemic sclerosis. These
results suggest that increased serum MMP-3 is a marker for
developing RA (rheumatoid arthritis) in SSc patients. SSc
patients with increased serum MMP-3 levels need to be followed
up carefully because of the risk of developing overlapping
RA. PubMed. Arch Dermatol Res. 2004 Apr 17. |
| Overlap
syndromes. Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus,
systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis (DM), mixed
connective tissue disease, and Sjogren's syndrome can present
with similar clinical features, particularly during the first
12 months of symptoms. PubMed. Reumatizam 2002;49(2):12-5. |
| Severe
Cardiac Involvement in Children with Systemic Sclerosis and
Myositis Children with diffuse cutaneous SSc and features
of polymyositis are prone to develop severe cardiomyopathy.
Combination therapy of corticosteroids, MTX, and cyclosporine
seems to be active on muscle, skin, and lung involvement
but does not impair progression of esophageal or myocardial
dysfunction. The Journal of Rheumatology VOLUME 29: NO.
8 AUGUST 2002. |
| Clinical
features of patients with systemic sclerosis accompanied
by rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic sclerosis patients
with elevated RF and a history of arthralgia prior to Raynaud's
phenomenon should be followed up with serial measurements
of CRP due to their risk of developing RA. PubMed. Clin
Exp Rheumatol 2003 Jan-Feb;21(1):91-4. (Also see: Autoimmune
Diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis) |
| Idiopathic
myelofibrosis associated with classic polyarteritis nodosa.PubMed.
Leuk Lymphoma 2003 Mar;44(3):539-41. (Also see: Associated
Conditions: PAN) |
| Isolated
pulmonary hypertension in overlap syndrome: successful treatment
by methylprednisolone pulse therapy. PubMed. Nihon
Rinsho Meneki Gakkai Kaishi 2003 Feb;26(1):28-33. (Also see: Pulmonary
Hypertension) |
| Progressive
systemic sclerosis-polymyositis overlap syndrome with eosinophilic
pleural effusion..PubMed. Rheumatol Int 2003
Apr 26. (Also see: Pulmonary
Involvement: Pleural Effusion) |
| Connective Tissue
Disease (CTD) |
| Connective Tissue Disease. A connective tissue disease is any disease that has the connective tissues of the body as a primary target of pathology. The connective tissue diseases include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis. MedicineNet.com |
| Is there a predisposition for the development of autoimmune diseases in patients with fibromyalgia (FM)? Retrospective analysis with long term follow-up. The risk of connective tissue disease (CTD) is not increased in FM. The detection of ANA (antinuclear antibodies) does not predict the development of CTD. However, in individual cases, FM may be an early sign of an autoimmune disease. (IngentaConnect) Rheumatology International, Vol 27, No 11, Sept 2007 , pp. 1031-1039(9). (Also see Fibromyalgia) |
| Intestinal immune activation in juvenile idiopathic arthritis and connective tissue disease. The majority of children suffering from JIA or CTD with GI symptoms show abnormalities consistent with activation of the intestinal immune system. The aetiology of this reaction remains unknown, but similar features are seen in delayed-type food allergy. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, Volume 36, Issue 5 2007 , pages 386 - 389. (Also see: Arthritis and GI involvement). |
| Serum proteins and paraproteins in women with silicone implants and connective tissue disease: a case-control study. Women with silicone implants had unexpectedly low serum globulin and immunoglobulin levels, with or without the subsequent development of CTD. The causes and clinical implications of these findings require further investigation. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2007, 9:R95. (Also see: Silicon Implants) |
| Systemic sclerosis and related connective tissue diseases: present and future. Although considerable progress has been made in recent years, we have a long way to go. Early diagnosis and treatment with effective therapies are key to providing patients with the best possible long-term outcomes. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2007, 9(Suppl 2):S1. (Also see: Scleroderma Treatments) |
| Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity (DLCO) Correlates With Functional Pulmonary Vascular Surface Area In Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) From Connective Tissue Disease (CTD). This is the first demonstration that the reduction in DLCO in PAH-CTD is at least in part related to loss of functional capillary surface area, and is proportional to its severity. D. Langleben THU0285 EULAR 2007. (Also see: Pulmonary Hypertension) |
| Mixed Connective Tissue
Disease (MCTD) |
| Mixed
Connective Tissue Disease Merck Manual. |
| Mixed
Connective Tissue Disease eMedicine Journal. |
| The overlap sometimes meets the
criteria for Mixed
Connective Tissue Disease. MedicineNet. |
| Clinical and Immunologic Manifestations of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MTCD) in a Miami Population Compared to a Midwestern US Caucasian Population. The Miami and Missouri Caucasian MCTD groups were largely similar; however, gastroesophageal reflux, sclerodactyly, and malar rash were significantly more frequent in the Missouri MCTD group and alopecia was more frequent in the Miami MCTD group. J Rheumatol 2008;35:429-37 |
| Evaluation of Paraoxonase Activity in Patients with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD). Our results indicate that in patients with MCTD there is an increased risk for atherosclerosis. J Rheumatol 2008;35:237-43. (Also see: Cardiac) (Note: The antioxidant paraoxonase (PON1) is an endogenous free radical scavenger in the human body.) |
| The Cutoff Points of Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) with High Negative and Positive Predictive Values. Analysis of 5655 Cases. The cutoff point of ANA titer 160 is appropriate to exclude SLE (Lupus), MCTD (Mixed Connective Tissue Disease), SSc (Systemic Scleroderma) in most of the clinical setting. ANA 640 or higher deserves further investigation such as disease specific autoantibodies even without characteristic clinical findings, especially after proper exams for chronic liver and thyroid diseases and RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis). Hisanori Shimizu. 1515/129. ACR 2007. (Also see: Antibodies, SSc, Lupus, and RA) |
 Digital
(Finger) Ulcer from Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD). This
digital ulcer is 14 weeks old. It was caused by secondary
Raynaud's phenomenon, in a patient with Mixed Connective
Tissue Disease (MCTD).
The MCTD was diagnosed 5 years ago, after thyroid gland
removal. ISN Photo Repository, contributed by Jeanne N. |
| C1D
is a major autoantibody target in patients with the polymyositis-scleroderma
overlap syndrome. Our results demonstrate that the recently identified
exosome-associated protein C1D is a major autoantigen in patients with the
PM-scleroderma overlap syndrome and suggest that the use of recombinant C1D
as an autoantibody target may aid in diagnosis of the PM-scleroderma overlap
syndrome. Arthritis and Rheumatism. Volume 56, Issue 7, Pages 2449 - 2454.
(Also see: Antibodies and Polymyositis)) |
| Arthritis
strikes young. Courtney Noel, 11 years old, of Unity, has juvenile arthritis,
an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling and
decreased mobility, among many other problems. There are several, and also
more severe types of juvenile arthritis, including the type Courtney has
—mixed connective tissue disease. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. 07/02/07.
(Also see: Arthritis) |
| Capillaroscopy is a dynamic process in mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Nailfold capillaroscopy in MCTD is a dynamic process and analysis of each scleroderma-pattern parameter seems to be a good indicator of lung involvement and disease severity. Lupus, Vol. 16, No. 4, 254-258 (2007). (Also see: Common Medical Tests) |
| Coexistence of systemic sclerosis with other autoimmune diseases. Our study shows that approximately one third of patients affected by systemic sclerosis developed one or more additional autoimmune diseases. Therefore patients with systemic sclerosis should be carefully evaluated both at onset and during the follow-up for the possible coexistence of other autoimmune disorders. PubMed. Rheumatol Int. 2006 Sep 19. (Also see: Overlap Syndrome) |
| Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD): a case with scleroderma renal crisis following abortion. Immune response to U1-ribonucleoprotein is the defining serological feature of MCTD. We report a case of MCTD with pulmonary involvement that developed scleroderma renal crisis after an abortion. PubMed. Clin Rheumatol. 2006 Nov 21. (Also see: Pulmonary Involvement and Renal Involvement) |
| Doppler
Echocardiographic Evaluation in Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
(MCTD). Signs of left ventricle diastolic function disorder
were observed in patients with MCTD. Results suggest that
global left ventricle function loss is the consequence of
the disease itself and not of the treatment. J. Vegh.
SAT0255 EULAR 2006. (Also see: Cardiac
Involvement) |
| Outcome
of pregnancies complicated by systemic sclerosis and mixed
connective tissue disease (MCTD). Most pregnancies in
women with SSc and MCTD in this cohort were uncomplicated.
The high rates of prematurity and small for gestational age
infants underscore the risk for growth restriction consistent
with the vasculopathy associated with these diseases. IngentaConnect.
Lupus, Vol 15, No 9, Sept 2006, pp. 595-599(5). (Also see: Scleroderma
and Pregnancy) |
| Immunosuppressive
Therapy in Connective Tissue Diseases-Associated (CTD)
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). PAH associated
with SLE (Lupus) or Mixed CTD might respond to a treatment
combining glucocorticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. Chest.
2006;130:182-189. (Also see: Lupus and Pulmonary
Hypertension) |
| Mixed
Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD): Clinical, Laboratory and
Outcome Analysis. MCTD is a distinctive entity rather
than a haphazard association of clinical and serological
features. Our study and several others highlight the impact
of pulmonary hypertension in MCTD. M. Smiti Khanfir. AB0290
EULAR 2006. |
| The
development of connective tissue diseases (CTD) in patients
with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH): a case series. Patients
with AIH may be at increased risk for developing systemic
CTD and patients with systemic CTD may be at increased risk
of developing AIH. PubMed. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2006
Jun;35(6):344-8. (Also see: Liver
Involvement) |
| Successful
Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PH) Associated
with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) by Methylprednisolone
Pulse Therapy. Our findings suggest the long-term efficacy
of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for early PH associated
with MCTD. Doppler echocardiography is also very useful to
detect early PH in MCTD. S. Ohshima. AB0283 EULAR 2006.
(Also see: Pulmonary
Hypertension) |
| Immunosuppressive
treatment for mixed connective tissue disease may facilitate
the development of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma in a HTLVI
carrier. We review the literature and raise the issue
of the mutual interactions between MCTD-causative anti-HTLV-I
immune response and anti-ATLL immune response. PubMed
Intern Med. 2006 May;45(5):297-301. |
| Mixed
connective tissue disease. Over the last 30 years there
has been a continuing debate as to whether MCTD constitutes
a 'distinct clinical entity'. Providing it is realized that
our appreciation of the clinical features associated with
anti-U1RNP have evolved over time, MCTD remains a useful
concept in clinical practice. PubMed. Lupus. 2006;15(3):132-7. |
| MCTD:
is it rare in India? Mixed connective tissue disease
(MCTD) has been rarely reported from India. We found 16 cases
among 441 patients with connective tissue disease. PubMed.
Clin Rheumatol. 2006 Apr 6. |
| Association
of systemic and thyroid autoimmune diseases. Systemic
and thyroid autoimmune diseases often overlap with each other.
HT (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) and GD (Graves' disease) may
be most common among MCTD, SSc and SS patients. Therefore
it is clinically important to screen patients with systemic
autoimmune diseases for the co-existence of thyroid disorders. PubMed.
Clin Rheumatol. 2005 Oct 25. (Also see: Thyroid
Disease, What
is Scleroderma? and Sjogren's
Syndrome) |
| Raynaud's
Phenomenon in Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. The goal
in the therapy of Raynaud's phenomenon in MCTD is to decrease
the frequency of attacks, prevent digital ulceration, and
limit progressive vascular damage. PubMed. Rheum Dis Clin
North Am. 2005 Aug;31(3):465-81. |
| Treatment
of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Therapy should
be individualized to address the specific organ involved
and the severity of underlying disease activity. Corticosteroids,
antimalarials, methotrexate, cytotoxics (most often cyclophosphamide),
and vasodilators have been used in the treatment of MCTD
with varying degrees of success. PubMed. Rheum Dis Clin
North Am. 2005 Aug;31(3):549-65. |
| Does
mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) exist? Yes. For
patients who have combined features of rheumatoid arthritis,
the limited cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis, and inflammatory
myopathies, the concept of mixed connective tissue disease
(MCTD) often helps to predict and diagnose organ problems
and to educate the patient accordingly. PubMed. Rheum
Dis Clin North Am. 2005 Aug;31(3):411-20. |
| Pulmonary
hypertension not a major feature of early mixed
connective tissue disease: A prospective clinicoserological
study. Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) has features
common to lupus, scleroderma and myositis with high levels
of antibodies to U1 ribonucleoprotein (U1 RNP). PubMed.
J Postgrad Med. 2005 Apr-Jun;51(2):104-8. (Also see: Pulmonary
Hypertension) |
| Pulmonary
hypertension in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. More studies
are needed to clarify the relationship between age and pulmonary
hypertension and to verify whether the low prevalence of
pulmonary hypertension we found in our SLE patients is related
or not to their lower age. PubMed. Reumatismo. 2005 Apr-Jun;57(2):114-8.
(Also see: Pulmonary
Hypertension and Lupus) |
| Second
degree atrioventricular block in mixed connective tissue
disease. Heart blocks are rarely described in MCTD. Three
cases have been reported. It's a systemic complication resulting
from an inflammatory process often responsive to steroids. PubMed.
Rev Med Interne. 2005 May 27. |
| Evaluation
of Survival Rates in Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD). Our
results suggest that MCTD is not such a benign disease as
was earlier described. Vascular lesions, such as endothelial
cell proliferation causing pulmonary hypertension, microangiopathy,
and coronary heart disease represent unfavorable prognostic
factors regarding the outcome of MCTD. E. Bodolay. SAT0220
EULAR 2003. |
| Clinical
Significance of Antibodies to TS1-RNA in Patients with Mixed
Connective Tissue Disease. We found that the level of
anti-TS1-RNA antibodies was possibly correlated with the
disease activity of lupus-like clinical features in patients
with MCTD. J Rheumatol NO. 5 MAY 2003;30:998-1005. |
| Tumor
Necrosis Factor-a Antagonists Induce Lupus-like Syndrome
in Patients with Scleroderma Overlap/Mixed Connective Tissue
Disease. It now appears that although these therapies
may suppress some autoimmune diseases, they may potentiate
others. LISA CHRISTOPHER-STINE, MD. J Rheumatol NO. 12
DECEMBER 2003;30:2725. |
| Pulmonary
Arterial Hypertension in Mixed Connective Tissue Disease:
Clinical Abnormalities and Successful Treatment with Prostacyclin.
Combination treatment of prostacyclin, corticosteroids and
immunosuppressive agents may effectively control and improve
cardiac function in PAH underlying MCTD. J. Végh.
AB0113 EULAR 2004. (Also see: Pulmonary
Hypertension) |
| Multiple Autoimmune
Syndrome (MAS) |
| Multiple
Autoimmune Syndrome (Three or More Co-existing Autoimmune
Diseases). Multiple autoimmune syndrome (MAS) is a condition
in which patients have at least three distinct autoimmune
conditions. In multiple autoimmune syndrome, patients often
have at least one dermatological condition. Suite 101. |
| Multiple
Autoimmune Disease Genetics Consortium. MADGC is a group
of leading genetic researchers who have joined efforts to
identify and understand the genes that autoimmune diseases
have in common. MADGC. |
| Analysis
of Families in the Multiple Autoimmune Disease Genetics Consortium
(MADGC) Collection: the PTPN22 620W Allele Associates with
Multiple Autoimmune Phenotypes. At least two of nine
“core” autoimmune diseases are present in each of these families.
These core diseases include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic
lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes (T1D), multiple
sclerosis (MS), autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto thyroiditis
or Graves disease), juvenile RA, inflammatory bowel disease
(Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis), psoriasis, and primary
Sjögren syndrome. Am J Hum Genet. 2005 April; 76(4): 561–571. |
| Multiple
autoimmune syndrome. Reynolds-syndrome (acral scleroderma,
primary biliary cirrhosis, Sjogren syndrome) associated with
the lupus erythematosus/lichen planus overlap syndrome. Hautarzt. 2004 May;55(5):465-70. |
| Undifferentiated Connective
Tissue Disease (UCTD) |
| When a person has symptoms of various
connective tissue diseases without meeting the full criteria
for any one of them, it is often called Undifferentiated
Connective Tissue Disease. |
| Undifferentiated connective tissue diseases (UCTD): a new frontier for rheumatology. Patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of a systemic autoimmune disease but not fulfilling the classification criteria for defined diseases are common in clinical practice. ScienceDirect. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology Vol 21, I6, Dec 2007, Pp 1011-1023. |
| Comparison of Survival Among Patients With Connective Tissue Disease and Cardiomyopathy (Systemic Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Undifferentiated Disease-UCTD). The diagnosis of cardiomyopathy and either undifferentiated CTD or systemic sclerosis appears to be a poor prognostic indicator compared with the diagnosis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and cardiomyopathy have a similar prognosis to those with idiopathic DCM(Sciene Direct) The American Journal of Cardiology Volume 100, Issue 3, 1 August 2007, Pages 513-517. (Also see: Lupus, and Cardiac Involvement) |
| Anti-Thyroid
Autoantibody-Associated Interface Dermatitis in Individuals
with Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD):
An Unrecognized Subset of Autoimmune Disease? We have
identified a new subset of individuals with UCTD, interface
dermatitis, and increased anti-thyroid antibodies. Journal
of Rheumatology. Vol 34: NO. 1 Jan 2007. |
| Defining
Unclassifiable Connective Tissue Diseases: Incomplete, Undifferentiated,
or Both? More exact and correct classification could
improve the clinical and therapeutic approach to these patients
and lead to a better definition of their prognosis. Further
multicenter analysis is necessary to better define both clinical
and serological exclusion criteria. J. Rheumatol. Vol.
32 No. 2 February 2005. Editorial. |
| Raynaud's
phenomenon in undifferentiated connective tissue disease
(UCTD). Our study indicates that patients with UCTD would
seem to have a benign form of Raynaud's, since they show
the absence of cutaneous complications, the existence of
a mild microvascular damage and a stable nailfold capillary
pattern. PubMed. Clin Rheumatol. 2004 Sep 4 (Also see: Raynaud's) |
| Undifferentiated
connective tissue diseases in 2004. Many studies conducted
on undifferentiated diseases have shown that up to 75% of
patients will not develop a defined CTD and that these conditions
exhibit typical clinical and serological manifestations and
a good prognosis. PubMed. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2004 Jan-Feb;22(3
Suppl 33):S14-8. |
| Shared Autoimmunity |
| Immunogenetic mechanisms for the coexistence of organ-specific and systemic autoimmune diseases. Both types of autoimmune diseases may coexist in the same patient, either sequentially or concurrently, sustained by the presence of autoantibodies directed against the corresponding autoantigens. Journal of Autoimmune Diseases 2008, 5:1. |
| Development
of Polymyalgia Rheumatica in Patients with Scleroderma. Systemic
sclerosis (SSc) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are uncommon
but not rare rheumatic diseases. The various musculoskeletal
symptoms that accompany SSc can make the recognition of PMR
challenging in these patients. J Rheumatol 2006 June;33:1206.
Letters. (Also see: Renal Involvement) |
| Overlap
syndromes in the context of shared autoimmunity. "Shared
autoimmunity" is the term being used for the presence
of autoimmune rheumatic diseases in several members of the
same family, the concurrence of autoimmune rheumatic with
non-rheumatic diseases in relatives of patients, the presence
of autoantibodies in sera from healthy relatives of autoimmune-disease
patients, the development of two or more autoimmune rheumatic
diseases in one patient and the interplay of genetic and
environmental factors leading to the presence of several
autoimmune disease and/or their autoantibodies in families. PubMed.
Autoimmunity. 2005 May;38(3):219-23. (Also see: Causes
of Scleroderma: Genetics) |
| See Also |
| Pneumatosis
intestinalis--a pitfall for surgeons? Pneumatosis intestinalis
(PI) is characterized by multiple gas cysts in the wall of
the gastrointestinal tract. PubMed. Scand J Surg. 2005;94(1):47-50. |
| Brain
abscesses caused by Abiotrophia defectiva: complication of
immunosuppressive therapy in a patient with connective tissue
disease. We report the case of a patient who developed
brain abscesses caused by Abiotrophia defectiva. The patient
was treated with prednisone and cyclophosphamide for connective
tissue disease (Lupus-Sjogren's overlap syndrome). PubMed.
Scand J Infect Dis. 2004;36(6-7):497-9. (Also see: Medications, Lupus, Sjogren's
Syndrome, and Brain
Involvement) |
| Mycophenolate
Mofetil (MMF) for Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Patients
with Systemic Sclerosis (PSS) and Polymyositis. Treatment
with MMF in patients with pulmonary fibrosis in systemic
sclerosis as well as in polymyositis might be an effective
therapy. In 3 patients we also saw an improvement in the
function of other organs, involved in systemic sclerosis,
such as scleroderma and myocarditis. MMF is a well tolerated
drug; great experience exists in transplanted patients.R.
Bergner. FRI0330 EULAR 2004. (Also see: Pulmonary
Fibrosis, Polymyositis,
and Medications) |
| The
Levels of Soluble Receptor of Interleukin-2 in Sera of Patients
with Overlap Syndromes. The elevated serum levels in
SSc/PM(RA) overlaps syndromes were markedly associated with
rapidly progressive disease and high clinical and laboratory
activity. Measurements of sIL-2R in sera together with clinical
examination might be useful for evaluation of global disease
activity. Oksana Desinova. AB0118 EULAR 2004. |
| Anti-Ku
antibody-positive scleroderma-dermatomyositis overlap syndrome
developing Graves' disease and immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Graves'
disease (GD) has been reported to be frequently complicated
with other autoimmune diseases. However, it is rarely complicated
with scleroderma-polymyositis overlap syndrome. PubMed.
Intern Med 2002 Dec;41(12):1199-203. (Also see Autoimmune
Diseases) |
| Autoantigenicity
of nucleolar complexes. Autoantibodies targeting nucleolar
autoantigens (ANoA) are most frequently found in sera from
patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc, also designated scleroderma)
or with SSc overlap syndromes. PubMed. Autoimmun Rev.
2003 Oct;2(6):313-21. (Also see: Antibodies and Types
of Scleroderma) |
| Idiopathic
thrombocytopenic purpura is an autoimmune disease in which
macrophages of reticuloendothelial system, mainly in the
spleen, remove platelets covered by autoantibodies from circulation. By
removing the spleen 60-80% of patients are cured. Partial
remission is achieved in 10-20% cases. PubMed. Acta Chir
Iugosl 2002;49(3):41-3. |
| The
Myositis Cutaneous Assessment Tool (MCAT): A New Approach
to the Assessment of Cutaneous Disease and Damage in Adult
and Juvenile Dermatomyositis. The MCAT is a new instrument
that identifies and evaluates a broad range of skin findings
in dermatomyositis with the purpose of establishing a standardized
approach for recognizing and assessing cutaneous disease
activity, severity and damage. E. Dugan. SP0100 EULAR
2003. (Also see: Dermatomyositis) |
| Mixed
Connective Tissue Disease. MedicineNet. |
| Mixed
Connective Tissue Disease. Merck Manual. |
| Mixed
Connective Tissue Disease. eMedicine Journal. |
| PM-SCL
autoantibody positive scleroderma with polymyositis (mechanic's
hand: clinical aid in the diagnosis). A new skin symptom
('mechanic's hands') predicts the disease, in particular
the interstitial lung pathology, which is its most relevant
internal manifestation. PubMed. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.
2004 May;18(3):356-9. (Also see: Polymyositis, Pulmonary
Fibrosis and Antibodies) |
| PM-Scl-75
is the main autoantigen in patients with the polymyositis/scleroderma
overlap syndrome. Our data indicate that use of the long
PM-Scl-75 isoform in addition to PM-Scl-100 in ELISAs significantly
increases the number of patients in whom anti-PM-Scl autoantibodies
can be detected. PubMed. Arthritis Rheum. 2004 Feb;50(2):565-9.
(Also see: Polymyositis) |
| Polymyositis
And Dermatomyositis. Merck Manual. |
| A
possible role of anti-endothelial cell antibody in the sera
of MCTD patients on pulmonary vascular damage relating to
pulmonary hypertension. Apoptosis of pulmonary arterial
endothelial cells induced by AECA in combination with activated
NK cells may be the first step of vascular damage associated
with pulmonary hypertension in patients with MCTD. PubMed.
Ryumachi 2002 Dec;42(6):885-94. (Also see: Pulmonary
Hypertension) |
| Systemic
Lupus Erythematosus. ISN. |
| Undifferentiated
Connective Tissue Disease. eMedicine Journal. |
| UCTD
and Autoimmune Site by Mick Breske. |
| Overlap Patient & Caregiver
Stories |
| Andi
P: UCTD and Possible Scleroderma It is believed that
I do have an autoimmune disease they are not sure if it is
systemic or not, but I know what I live through on a daily
basis... |
| Angela
S: Overlap Syndrome I am twenty-five years old and
I was diagnosed with polymyositis and scleroderma, rheumatoid
arthritis, mitral valve prolapse, a heart murmur, and pericarditis... |
| Annette
G: MCTD, Systemic Scleroderma, Chronic Kidney Disease, CFS,
Fibromyalgia, Trigeminal Neuralgia, TMJ People think
that because I am a nurse I have all the answers. Well guess
what? I don't... |
| Buggzy:
Autoimmune Hepatitis, Fibromyalgia, Undiagnosed I am really
desperate to get some answers or to hear from others in the
same boat as me... |
| Cindy:
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD) He
seems to think that I have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus,
but until my symptoms show more criteria for it, he can't
call it that... |
| Daniel
B. Koch: Mixed Connective Tissue Disease with Scleroderma Two
months after I was born the doctors noticed that my growth
rate was very slow... |
| Daphne:
Daughter of Scleroderma/Polymyositis/Antisynthetase Syndrome
Overlap Patient By early 2005, she began to exhibit
Raynaud's phenomenon. She was also having swelling in her
face, hands and feet... |
| Debbie
G: CREST, Lupus, Interstitial Lung Disease and Pulmonary
Hypertension It has been a very long and bumpy road
at times but somehow through all the hospital visits and
other illnesses I have managed to stay ahead of the game
by a step or two... |
| Deborah
M: CREST Scleroderma, Systemic Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis,
Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Fibromyalgia When we are
given the CREST diagnosis, does that mean that we definitely
will have the tight skin eventually? |
| Diane
M: MCTD, and Surviving Sister of Scleroderma Patient I
do not know what lies ahead for me on this path, I only hope
that I can be as strong as my sister was... |
| Donna
C: Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD) I
am beginning to get tired of going for test after test and
not find a specific reason for my symptoms... |
| Elaine
GH: Limited Systemic Sclerosis I tell everyone I meet
about scleroderma. I have joined two support groups and bought
all three editions of Voices of Scleroderma... |
| Fran:
UCTD After years of suffering from a long list of
unexplained complaints (fatigue, muscle/joint pain, rashes,
fever), I was diagnosed with UCTD... |
| Gail:
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD) They
did a series of tests and blood work and found I had Interstitial
Cystitis, a positive ANA, and gastrointestinal dysmotility... |
| Hailee
Vale: MCTD but Now Undiagnosed I still do not have
any proper answers. I have my own theories as to what went
wrong and I am waiting to see a rheumatologist... |
| Heidi:
Difficult Diagnosis of UCTD Do these symptoms resemble
the beginning symptoms for others who have gone on to be
diagnosed with scleroderma? |
| Jaci: MCTD and Autoimmune Hepatitis Out of fear of going back to the doctors, I tried just to live with it, whatever it was. What I found strange was that nobody seemed to noticed how terrible I was feeling, not even the doctors... |
| Janet:
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease I have just been diagnosed
with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD), lung fibrosis,
Raynaud's and sicca (dryness) symptoms... |
| Jill
K: Lupus with GAVE (Watermelon Stomach) My hemotologist
and GI specialists are very supportive but I am so
frustrated at how little any one seems to know about
GAVE disease... |
| Kate:
Possible Scleroderma/Lupus Overlap At some point in
that dreary winter month, I began waking up with swollen
hands... |
| Kaycee:
Diffuse Scleroderma with Polymyositis The rheumatologist
confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse scleroderma on my initial
visit to him. Since then, I have had a muscle biopsy, which
confirmed polymyositis... |
| Kellie:
Overlap Scleroderma and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) I
am so relieved to read about so many people who have had
the same experiences... |
| Krista:
Scleroderma in Overlap Many
of you probably know that I have translated "Scleroderma
from A to Z" into my language, Romanian... |
| Jackie
S: Overlap Syndrome For as long as I can remember
I have had terribly dry skin and a very hoarse voice with
dry mouth... |
| Jennifer:
Surviving Daughter of Overlap Syndrome Patient This
letter was written by my dad and was read at my mother's
memorial service in October of this year... |
| Laura
M: UCTD A rheumatologist told me I did not look sick
and to "get a life"... |
| LaVonne:
Surviving Mother of a Daughter with MCTD Hello, I
am the mother of an only daughter who had Mixed Connective
Tissue Disease (MCTD). She died in March 2000, at thirty-five
years of age... |
| Lee:
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD) A
Sloan-Kettering researcher said our problems were related
to HLA-B27 inheritance... |
| Linda
F: CREST Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia,
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Hematoma, and Osteomyelitis I
need to tell you all the gory details so you can truly understand
what a miracle it is that I am alive today... |
| Lisa
P: Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD) I
have an appointment with a new rheumatologist on May tenth.
Hopefully I will get some answers... |
| Lynn:
Lupus, Scleroderma, Sjögren's and Polymyositis Overlap I
am going to start to see the doctor more often and take better
care of myself... |
| (Polski/Polish)
Maria P: MCTD z Sklerodermia W tej sytuacji tylko
pozostaje mi wolanie o pomoc, bo zycie bardzo szybko uchodzi,poprostu
ta choroba zabija... |
| Mick
Breske: UCTD/Lupus I felt I was being treated as some
dumb blond. Finally one day I was referred to a Rheumatologist... |
| Monica:
MCTD This diagnosis is a bittersweet one for us. Yes,
after seven years of hell, we now have a name... |
| Myrianisa:
Daughter of a Severe Scleroderma Patient My mother
was diagnosed with scleroderma six years ago. At the same
time, she was also diagnosed with lupus, Raynaud's, MCTD,
pulmonary fibrosis and fibromyalgia... |
| Nan:
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and Fibromyalgia Finally
after several years of struggle, one wonderful doctor at
OSU got gutsy and gave me the MCTD diagnosis... |
| Natasha
Lubin: Scleroderma Meets Sjögren's I started
this page so I can keep finding connections between all of
our diseases and how they interact upon on another... |
| Peggy
H: Undiagnosed MCTD? I have been told for twenty years
that I might have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD),
but I haven't been definitely diagnosed... |
| Serena:
MCTD/Diffuse with CREST During
her 20 years from onset to diagnosis, her Calcinosis was
diagnosed as fungus... |
| Silezia:
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (South Africa) I believe
that if we try to feel positive about our life and the cards
we are dealt, then we can manage our disease most effectively... |
| Swede:
UCTD or Hypochondria I have been experiencing severe
pain in my feet and ankles for the last two years... |
| Syl:
SD/Crest/PH/Sjögren's The
physician's assistant noticed that my hands went really blue... |
| William
M: Scleroderma or Lupus I
had to give up my career of being a registered nurse (RN)
over two years ago due to total disability... |
| Romanian Patient Stories |
| Krista:
Povestea Mea - Scleroderma in Overlap Nu este prea
usor, sa incepi sa-ti scri propria istorie, in asemenea situatie... |
