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Undifferentiated connective tissue disease

Evidence: Unconfirmed

Names

UCTD
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease
Undifferentiated connective tissue syndrome

Description

Patients of undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) share some, but not all, symptoms with other connective tissue diseases, such as systemic lupus erythmatosus, systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and antiphospholipid syndrome.  UCTD is diagnosed when a patient has a positive serum ANA test and shows stable symptoms for a minimum of 3 years.  UCTD is distinct from the other above-mentioned diseases in that the condition remains stable over time without worsening. 30% of patients diagnosed with UCTD will be given a new diagnosis because their disease will not remain stable.

Patient Groups

None found.

Bloggers

None found.

Prevalence

US Incidence: [Spinillo 2017]

Typical Age of onset

Most commonly starts between age 30 and 50, but can start at any age [Source: Medscape]

Symptoms

  • Chest pain

  • Cold fingers/toes with white or blue skin coloring (Raynaud’s Phenomenon)

  • Dry eyes and mouth

  • Facial symmetric “butterfly” rash (malar rash)

  • Hair loss

  • Interstitial pneumonia

  • Joint pain (arthralgia)

  • Muscle weakness

  • Nervous system abnormalities (sensations, seizure, mental disorders)

  • Sensitivity to light (photosensitivity)

  • Ulcers in mouth