Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (35)

Mixed connective tissue disease
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Mixed connective tissue disease

Contributors: Casey Silver MD, Benjamin L. Mazer MD, MBA, Mary Anne Morgan MD, Ayman Grada MD, MS, Michael W. Winter MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), also known as Sharp syndrome, is an autoimmune overlap syndrome characterized by the presence of symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyositis. It was originally described as a distinct entity by Sharp et al in 1972.

The annual incidence of MCTD is estimated to be 1.9 per 100 000 population. MCTD is more common in females than males (5:1) and presents most commonly in the second and third decades of life.

The sequential appearance of symptoms makes diagnosis challenging, but the basic hallmarks include elevated antinuclear antibodies (ANA), hand / joint findings such as Raynaud phenomenon and swelling, and nonspecific symptoms including fever, fatigue, and myalgias. MCTD has a wide-ranging clinical presentation, from minimally symptomatic to life-threatening cardiac, kidney, or pulmonary involvement. Evolution to other connective diseases is infrequent. MCTD has been associated with HLA-DR4 and HLA-DR2.

Pulmonary hypertension is the most serious complication (occurring in up to 25% of patients) and a major cause of death in MCTD.

Codes

ICD10CM:
M35.1 – Other overlap syndromes

SNOMEDCT:
398049005 – Mixed collagen vascular disease

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:03/31/2019
Last Updated:03/31/2019
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Mixed connective tissue disease
Print   View all Images (35)
(with subscription)
A medical illustration showing key findings of Mixed connective tissue disease : Fatigue, ANA positive, Sausage digits, Arthralgia, Dyspnea, Anemia, Myalgia, Low grade fever, Butterfly rash
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.