Raynaud’s phenomenon
Abstract Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is a major cause of pain and disability in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases (CTDs), particularly systemic sclerosis (SSc). The clinician must perform a comprehensive…
Cardiovascular risk and its modification in patients with connective tissue diseases
Abstract It is well documented that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease. There is evidence that traditional risk factors and…
Pregnancy and autoimmune connective tissue diseases
Abstract Autoimmune connective tissue diseases predominantly affect women and often occur during the reproductive years. Thus, specialized issues in pregnancy planning and management are commonly encountered in this patient population….
Cancer and autoimmunity: Harnessing longitudinal cohorts to probe the link
Abstract In many autoimmune rheumatic diseases, there is an increased risk of cancer compared to the general population. While reasons for this increased risk have not been elucidated, it has…
Connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease
Abstract Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is commonly present in patients with an underlying connective tissue disease (CTD), particularly those with systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory myositis. The clinical spectrum…
Connective tissue disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension
Abstract Over the past two decades, there have been several advances in the assessment and management of connective tissue disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD-PAH) that improved outcomes of the treatment…
Systemic sclerosis: The need for structured care
Abstract Autoimmune connective tissue diseases (CTDs) have a propensity to affect multiple organ systems as well as physical function, quality of life, and survival. Their clinical heterogeneity, multisystem involvement, and…
Improving care of autoimmune connective tissue diseases: Lessons from longitudinal cohorts
In an era of considerable advances in many inflammatory diseases, progress in the diagnosis and therapy of autoimmune connective tissue diseases (CTDs) such as systemic sclerosis, mixed CTD, and Sjogren’s…
Sarcoidosis: Rheumatology perspective
Abstract Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory granulomatous disease for which rheumatologists are uniquely trained and qualified to treat. Historically, sarcoidosis has been managed within silos of medical subspecialties, but with…
Relapsing polychondritis: A 2016 update on clinical features, diagnostic tools, treatment and biological drug use
Abstract Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a very rare autoimmune disease characterised by a relapsing inflammation of the cartilaginous tissues (joints, ears, nose, intervertebral discs, larynx, trachea and cartilaginous bronchi), which…
