DISEASES
description
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) refers to a an ‘overlap’ condition where patients develop features of other autoimmune conditions such as Raynaud’s, taught finger swelling (features of early scleroderma), arthritis and muscle inflammation (myositis). It is important to distinguish MCTD from other overlap conditions. The antibody hallmark of MCTD, and requirement for the classification and diagnosis of the disease is anti-U1-RNP.
Symptoms
- General feeling of being unwell (This can include increased fatigue and a mild fever)
- Cold and numb fingers or toes
- Raynaud’s phenomenon (In response to cold or stress, your fingers or toes might turn white and then purplish blue. After warming, the fingers or toes turn red)
- Swollen fingers or hands
- Muscle and joint pain (Joints can become inflamed, swollen and deformed, similar to what occurs with rheumatoid arthritis)
- Rash (Red or reddish brown patches can appear over the knuckles)