| Systemic Sclerosis: Scleroderma in Overlap, MCTD, UCTD |
| This page was written by Shelley Ensz and has not yet been medically edited. See Disclaimer. |
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| 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) |
| 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. |
| 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 ) |
| 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) |
| Coexistence of five autoimmune diseases: diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. The literature reports overlap syndromes in various combinations; however, the coexistence of five autoimmune diseases is extremely rare. (PubMed) Wielosz E. Rheumatol Int. 2008 July. |
| 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. |
| Progressive divergent shifts in natural and induced T-regulatory cells signify the transition from undifferentiated (UCTD) to definitive connective tissue disease (CTD). The shift toward T(h)1 with increased IFNgamma production in patients with UCTD combined with the degree of immunoregulatory disturbances characterized by the progressive divergent shifts in natural and induced T-regulatory cell populations signify the transition from undifferentiated to definitive CTD. (PubMed) Szodoray P. Int Immunol 2008 Jun 11. |
| 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. 2005 Apr;24(2):145-51. (Also see: Raynaud's) |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Polymyositis And Dermatomyositis. Merck Manual. |
| 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 "SCLERO.ORG" 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... |
