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By dr. M. Walravens, rheumatologist, O.L.Vrouw-Clinic Aalst, Belgium
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| What are chronic inflammatory connective tissue diseases (CICTD)? |
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| They constitute a group of autoimmune diseases with common symptoms, of which the cause remains unknown. These diseases are chronic (long-term) and manifestations may fluctuate, with periods of remissions alternated with flares.
Inflammation may occur everywhere in the body at the level of the connective tissue, also called supporting tissue because it connects all the body parts. For a reason still unknown, there is a flaw in the body's defence system: immunity. Instead of attacking foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses,..) it will attack its own body cells, by producing a high amount of autoantibodies that cause inflammation diseases: autoimmune diseases.
Since the inflammation may occur in various parts of the body they are called systemic diseases.
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| Different types of CICTD |
| Lupus |
Lupus is a disorder affecting predominantly young women. It can occur in various forms: affecting only the skin (discoid lupus) or involving all organs (systemic lupus). Manifestations of lupus are a general degree of illness, skin rashes, photosensitivity, joint and muscle pains, repeated miscarriages, ... Read more ... |
| Scleroderma |
| Thickening and tightening of the skin throughout the body or limited to the limbs, mostly accompanied by Raynauds phenomenon (fingers and/or toes turning white or blue). Systemic sclerosis: a more generalised form that may involve internal organs (oesophagus, kidneys, lungs) with difficulties in swallowing, high blood pressure and shortness of breath as a consequence. The CREST-syndrome can be considered a variant of systemic sclerosis. Read more...
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| Poly- and Dermatomyositis |
| Polymyositis involves mainly a generalised muscle inflammation, which results in persistent weakness and pain in the muscles. Inflammation of the muscles used for breathing or of the muscles of the heart may be very dangerous. People with dermatomyositis also have local skin inflammations. Read more ... |
| Sjogren's Syndrome |
| A chronic inflammation of the lacrimal tear glands and salivary glands, which causes a reduced production of tears and saliva, with dry eyes and a dry mouth as a result. Feeling of irritation in the eyes and an inflammation of the conjunctiva may occur. Sometimes damage to the cornea can threaten eyesight. Read more ...
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| Vasculitis |
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Means inflammation of the blood vessels. Can occur in all connective tissue diseases.Read more ...
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| Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) |
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Patients suffer from symptoms belonging to two or more connective tissue diseases (lupus, scleroderma, myositis).Read more ... |