Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD) are a complex group of autoimmune inflammatory conditions targeting collagen, elastin, and structural extracellular matrix tissues across joints, skin, blood vessels, lungs, and internal organs. Expert diagnostic evaluation and long-term care are managed by Dr. Sai Sekhar Pyla in Visakhapatnam.
Major Connective Tissue Disorders
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Multisystem autoimmune disease affecting joints, skin, kidneys (lupus nephritis), and blood cells.
- Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma): Characterized by abnormal collagen accumulation causing skin thickening and vascular sclerosis.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: Autoimmune destruction of exocrine lacrimal and salivary glands leading to severe dry eyes and dry mouth.
- Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) & Polymyositis: Overlapping clinical features of Lupus, Scleroderma, and muscle inflammation.
Symptoms
- Symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness.
- Raynaud's Phenomenon: Fingers turning white, blue, then red upon exposure to cold temperatures.
- Malar "butterfly" facial rash across nose and cheeks (classic in SLE).
- Unexplained prolonged low-grade fever, extreme fatigue, and hair loss.
- Shortness of breath or dry cough due to Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).
Diagnostic Evaluation
- Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test: Primary sensitive screening test for connective tissue disorders.
- Specific Autoantibody Panels: Anti-dsDNA, Anti-Smith, Anti-Ro/SSA, Anti-La/SSB, Anti-Scl-70, and Anti-U1 RNP.
- Inflammatory Markers & Complement Levels: ESR, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), C3, and C4 complement levels.
Treatment & Clinical Management
- DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs): Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), Methotrexate, or Azathioprine to suppress disease activity.
- Corticosteroid Flare Management: Judicious low-dose oral steroids for acute inflammatory suppression.
- Organ Protection Screening: Regular urinalysis for proteinuria, renal function panels, and pulmonary function tests.
