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Mixed connective tissue disease

Dr Yuranga Weerakkody et al.

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a type of connective tissue disease. When clinical imaging features are concerned it can have significant overlap with other connective tissue disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma ¹. It therefore classified as a type of overlap syndrome an at times it even comes under debate as to whether MCTD should exist a distinct entity ⁷.

Pathology

It occurs from an autoimmune abnormality and often is defined by the presence of a ribonuclease-sensitive extractable nuclear antigen.

MCTD can affect various organ systems where pulmonary ⁶ and musculoskeletal ^4-5 are some of the two key systems to get affected. As such these are best discussed under separate headings

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