How do you know if you have connective tissue disease?

Because connective tissue disorders can have symptoms similar to other conditions, diagnostic tests will help rule out other causes and confirm a diagnosis. These tests may include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain and spinal cord and a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap.

What does a connective tissue disorder feel like?

Early indications of mixed connective tissue disease can include: General feeling of being unwell. This can include increased fatigue and a mild fever. Cold and numb fingers or toes (Raynaud’s phenomenon).

What does mixed connective tissue disease feel like?

Symptoms of MCTD (in which the fingers suddenly become very pale and tingle or become numb or blue in response to cold or emotional upset), joint inflammation (arthritis), swollen hands, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, and shortness of breath.

What mimics connective tissue disease?

Connective tissue diseases that may mimic chronic idiopathic interstitial pneumonias include rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease and undifferentiated connective tissue disease.

Is Fibromyalgia a connective tissue disorder?

Fibromyalgia is one of a group of chronic pain disorders that affect connective tissues, including the muscles, ligaments (the tough bands of tissue that bind together the ends of bones), and tendons (which attach muscles to bones).

What doctor treats connective tissue disorders?

Whenever possible, a rheumatologist experienced in diagnosis and treatment of the disease should co-manage all patients with mixed connective-tissue disease (MCTD).

What does a UCTD flare feel like?

Joint pain For many people with UCTD, the main signs are achy joints and arthritis in the elbows, wrists, hands, and knees in a symmetrical pattern, says Dr. Lockshin. People with UCTD generally don’t have as much swelling and the pain is transient.

How do I know if I have lupus or fibromyalgia?

There are no definitive tests for either fibromyalgia or lupus, so differentiating between the two relies mostly on a thorough history of your symptoms, a physical exam, and sometimes blood tests or imaging to rule out other conditions.

What blood tests are done for connective tissue disease?

Routine screening tests for undifferentiated connective-tissue disease (UCTD) should include the following:

  • Complete blood count.
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
  • C-reactive protein (CRP)
  • Urinalysis with microscopic analysis.
  • Serum creatinine.
  • Rheumatoid factor (RF)