Connective Tissue Diseases
by Stephen Holt, MD, MSConnective tissue diseases are a broad category that includes many familiar disorders (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma) as well as others that are more obscure. They are all characterized by the production of autoantibodies and involve immune dysfunction. It is sometimes difficult to categorize patients clearly, as connective tissue diseases share clinical and laboratory findings. It is not uncommon for patients to present with multiple overlapping disorders.
Connective tissue disorders are often considered systemic and tend to involve many organ systems, thus making it extremely important for every physician to be aware of their manifestations. For example, SLE may affect the skin, CNS, heart, lungs, kidneys, and hematopoiesis, among others. Any one of these organs may be the first clinically recognizable manifestation of disease, and prompt therapy can be lifesaving. For such patients, the clinician should obtain a basic history and review of systems, conduct a basic physical examination and laboratory workup, and understand when a rheumatology referral may be appropriate.
Course Details
- Videos 17
- Duration 1:27 h
- Quiz questions 43
- Concept Pages 6
