Connective Tissue Diseases We Diagnose and Manage
Connective tissue diseases are autoimmune disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s connective tissues. As connective tissue is found throughout the body, these conditions may affect multiple organs and systems, including the joints, skin, muscles, lungs and kidneys. Some connective tissue diseases may also lead to related complications, such as interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension.
Lupus (SLE)
Commonly known as lupus, SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems in the body.
Sjögren’s Syndrome
A chronic autoimmune disease characterised by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking its own moisture-producing glands.
Scleroderma
A rare, chronic autoimmune disease characterised by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.
Myositis
Myositis is a group of rare autoimmune diseases characterised by inflammation and degeneration of muscle tissue.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by antiphospholipid antibodies in the blood.
CTD Interstitial Lung Disease
A serious condition where the lung tissue becomes inflamed and scarred as a result of an underlying connective tissue disease.
CTD Pulmonary Hypertension
A serious and potentially life-threatening condition where high blood pressure develops in the lungs’ arteries as a result of an underlying connective tissue disease.
