Primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Abstract Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a relatively common autoimmune systemic rheumatic disease. In addition to sicca syndrome and swollen salivary glands, systemic features manifest in the majority of patients,…
Mixed connective tissue disease
Abstract The concept of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) as a separate connective tissue disease (CTD) has persisted for more than four decades. High titers of antibodies targeting the U1…
Giant cell arteritis
Abstract Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis of the elderly. The diagnosis can be challenging at times because of the limitation of the American Rheumatology Association (ARA)…
Idiopathic inflammatory myositis
Abstract Knowledge on idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) has evolved with the identification of myositis-associated and myositis-specific antibodies, development of histopathological classification and the recognition of how these correlate with clinical…
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Abstract Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune condition characterized by the occurrence of thrombosis (arterial and/or venous), often multiple, and/or pregnancy morbidity. Thrombosis is one of the major disease mechanisms,…
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…
