Healthcare providers refer to this as overlap syndrome.
When this happens, it’s referred to asundifferentiated connective tissue disease.
What is MCTD?
Theresa Chiechi / Verywell
Because the symptoms are varied and similar to other conditions,it can take several yearsfor a correct diagnosis.
Hold off on worrying about a possible diagnosis and meet with your healthcare provider for an evaluation.
When this happens the skin color may change from white to blue to red.
Skin tightening on the fingers can be a sign of sclerosis.
Your practitioner will look for rashes that are characteristic of lupus, as well as thinning hair.
Joint swelling and arthritis pain are some of the most common symptoms.
Classic Signs of MCTD
MCTD typically leads to inflamed joints and muscles.
A questionnaire to review your family history is also helpful since many autoimmune disorders run in families.
Sometimes the absence of specific symptoms is most telling.
Connective tissue diseases are chronic and require continued care as they progress and change with time.
Protein and Antibody Tests
Specific antibodies are primary markers for connective tissue disease.
Several different types of immunoassays may be used for ANA testing, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Urine Testing
A urine analysis is useful for patients with connective tissue diseases and kidney disease.
Elevated protein, red blood cells, or white blood cells may be found in the urine.
For inflammatory myositis, muscle biopsies are required.
Are Imaging Tests Necessary?
In general, imaging procedures may not be required for an initial diagnosis of connective tissue diseases.
For pediatric patients, imaging is more critical since connective tissue diseases can result in long-term developmental delays.
It’s possible that fibromyalgia, allergies, stress injuries, or even depression could be causing your symptoms.
To diagnose a connective tissue disease, your healthcare provider will need to review a variety of factors.
You never want to assume the worst when trying to figure out why you’re not feeling your best.
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