Mixed connective tissue disease

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Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD), pronounced as /mɪkst kəˈnɛktɪv ˈtɪʃuː dɪˈziːz/, is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by overlapping features of three connective tissue disorders: systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. The term was first coined in 1972 by Sharp et al., who described a distinct subset of patients with shared clinical and laboratory features of these diseases.

Etymology

The term "Mixed Connective Tissue Disease" is derived from the fact that the disease exhibits features of multiple connective tissue disorders. The word "connective" comes from the Latin "connectere" meaning "to bind together", while "tissue" is derived from the French "tissu" meaning "a weave". The term "disease" comes from the Old French "desaise" meaning "lack of ease".

Symptoms

Symptoms of MCTD may include Raynaud's phenomenon, swollen hands, muscle weakness, and joint pain. Other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, heartburn, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of MCTD typically involves a combination of clinical findings and laboratory tests, including the presence of a specific autoantibody known as anti-U1-RNP.

Treatment

Treatment for MCTD typically involves managing symptoms and preventing organ damage. This may include medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive drugs.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with MCTD varies. Some individuals may have a mild form of the disease, while others may experience severe, life-threatening complications.

See Also

External links

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