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{{Undifferentiated connective tissue disease}}                                                                 
{{Undifferentiated connective tissue disease}}                                                                 
{{CMG}} {{AE}} Your Name
{{CMG}} {{AE}}{{ADS}}
 
==Overview==
==Overview==
The concept of undifferentiated connective tissue disease(UCTD) came into existence in 1980 when LeRoy et al found out some disease entities which don't qualify the criteria of definite connective tissue disease but resemble rheumatological diseases. The patients with UCTD presents with signs and symptoms of connective tissue diseases like [[arthritis]], [[Raynaud's phenomenon]], [[Dry-mouth]], [[dry eyes]].Undifferentiated connective tissue disorder(UCTD) are actually a group of disorders that are unclassified in other connective tissue disorders. UCTD may be classified according to criteria developed by American College of Rheumatology(ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism(EULAR) : early [[Raynaud's phenomenon]], early [[inflammatory arthritis]] that is not classified as [[rheumatoid arthritis]], some manifestations same as that of inflammatory myopathy, [[systemic lupus erythematosus]], [[Sjögren's syndrome]], vasculitis, serositis, or interstitial lung disease which don't meet diagnostic criteria for each of them and early [[scleroderma]].The exact pathogenesis of undifferentiated connective tissue disorder(UCTD) is not fully understood. It is understood that UCTD is the result of [[autoimmune]] process and occurs in phases: Initial phase: which is asymptomatic and absence of auto-antibodies and second phase with the presence of auto-antibodies. The second phase is usually triggered by the environmental factors, such as [[infection]]. Auto-antibodies appear before the symptoms of the disease.The time between the two is variable. Autoantibodies usually seen in UCTD with positive correlation are [[antibodies]] against C1q ,Anti [[heat shock protein]](hsp)-65, Anti hsp 60. The clinical picture involves the overlap of symptoms of other rheumatological disease but not completing the criteria of their diagnosis. More studies are needed to find the pathogenesis of UCTD.The cause of undifferentiated connective tissue disease has not been identified.UCTD is differentiated with other causes of arthritis and rash such as [[SLE]], [[Sjögren's syndrome]], [[Rheumatoid arthritis]]. Not enough epidemiological studies have been done but about 25% of the presentation of more than 1 year resembles connective tissue disorder.UCTD is differentiated with other causes of arthritis and rash such as [[SLE]], [[Sjögren's syndrome]], [[Rheumatoid arthritis]].There are no established risk factors for UCTD.The symptoms of undifferentiated connective tissue disease(UCTD) usually are similar to connective tissue diseases but couldn't complete the criteria for their definitive diagnosis. If left untreated, 24.3-33% of patients with UCTD may progress to develop manifestations of well defined connective tissue disease such as [[systemic lupus erythematosus]], [[Rheumatoid arthritis|rheumatoid arthritis,]] [[Sjögren's syndrome]]. Common complications of UCTD include [[Interstitial lung disease]]- Non specific [[interstitial pneumonia]], [[atherosclerosis]]. Depending on the extent of the UCTD at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as good. The presence of [[interstitial lung disease]] is associated with a particularly good prognosis among patients with UCTD rather than being idiopathic.Patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) may have a positive history of [[Raynaud's phenomenon]], [[arthritis]], [[photosensitivity]], [[Sicca syndrome|sicca symptoms]], [[pleuritis]]/[[pericarditis]]. The common symptoms of UCTD include [[arthralgia]], [[dry eyes]], [[rash]], [[photosensitivity]] and [[dry mouth]]. Less common symptoms of UCTD include [[fever]], [[pleuritic chest pain]] and [[seizures]]. Patients with UCTD usually appear well but can present with low-grade [[fever]], [[Raynaud's phenomenon]], [[Rash|rash and]] [[Erythema nodosum]] in the skin examination. On examining HEENT,[[Conjunctivitis]], [[Uveitis]], [[Keratoconjunctivitis sicca]][[Dry-mouth|, dry-mouth]] can be seen. In the neck, [[lymphadenopathy]] can be seen. Rhonchi, [[Wheezing]][[Pleural friction rub|, pleural friction rub]] and [[Pericardial friction rub]] can be heard on auscultation.On examining abdomen, [[tenderness]] in the right/left upper/lower abdominal quadrant and [[hepatomegaly]] are noted. In the back, tenderness over lumbar vertebrae can occur and sacral [[edema]] may be seen.[[Rashes]] can be seen in the genitourinary exam. The patient can have [[altered mental status]]<nowiki/>with [[psychosis]] and [[peripheral neuropathy]] and Pitting/non-pitting [[edema]] of the lower extremities. Laboratory findings suggestive of undifferentiated connective tissue disease include [[Leukopenia]],increased [[erythrocyte sedimentation rate]], [[C-reactive protein]], [[Antinuclear antibodies]], anti DNA antibodies, anti Ro/SSA antibodies and anti-RNP antibodies.The pharmacologic medical therapy is recommended based on the rheumatic disease pattern manifested by the patient such as [[methotrexate]] in those exhibiting [[arthritis]] and [[dermatitis]]. Supportive therapy includes; avoiding cold exposure in those experiencing [[Raynaud's phenomenon]], avoiding sun in [[photosensitivity]], [[Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug|non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] for pain control, [[sunscreen]] used for [[photosensitivity]], and [[emollients]] for dry skin, rash.The mainstay of treatment for undifferentiated connective tissue disorder is medical therapy. Surgery is rarely needed for patients for surgical biopsy in case of diagnosis.The feasibility of surgery depends on the prognosis at diagnosis.


==Historical Perspective==
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) was first explored by LeRoy et al in 1980.


==Historical Perspective==
*[Disease name] was first discovered by [scientist name], a [nationality + occupation], in [year] during/following [event].
*In [year], [gene] mutations were first identified in the pathogenesis of [disease name].
*In [year], the first [discovery] was developed by [scientist] to treat/diagnose [disease name].
==Classification==
==Classification==
*[Disease name] may be classified according to [classification method] into [number] subtypes/groups:
Undifferentiated connective tissue disorder (UCTD) are actually a group of disorders that are unclassified in other connective tissue disorders. UCTD may be classified according to the criteria developed by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) into: early [[Raynaud's phenomenon]], early [[inflammatory arthritis]] that is not classified as [[rheumatoid arthritis]], some manifestations same as that of inflammatory myopathy, [[systemic lupus erythematosus]], [[Sjögren's syndrome]], vasculitis, serositis, or interstitial lung disease which don't meet diagnostic criteria for each of them and early [[scleroderma]].
:*[group1]
 
:*[group2]
:*[group3]
*Other variants of [disease name] include [disease subtype 1], [disease subtype 2], and [disease subtype 3].
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
*The pathogenesis of [disease name] is characterized by [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3].
The exact pathogenesis of undifferentiated connective tissue disorder (UCTD) is not fully understood. It is understood that UCTD is the result of an [[autoimmune]] process and occurs in phases: Initial phase: which is asymptomatic and is characterized by absence of auto-antibodies and second phase which is characterized by the presence of auto-antibodies. The second phase is usually triggered by the environmental factors, such as [[infection]]. Auto-antibodies appear before the symptoms of the disease.The time between the two is variable. Autoantibodies usually seen in UCTD with positive correlation are [[antibodies]] against C1q ,Anti [[heat shock protein]] (hsp)-65, Anti hsp 60. The clinical picture involves the overlap of symptoms of other rheumatological disease but not completing the criteria of their diagnosis. More studies are needed to find the pathogenesis of UCTD.
*The [gene name] gene/Mutation in [gene name] has been associated with the development of [disease name], involving the [molecular pathway] pathway.
 
*On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].
*On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].
==Causes==
==Causes==
* [Disease name] may be caused by either [cause1], [cause2], or [cause3].
The cause of undifferentiated connective tissue disease has not been identified.
* [Disease name] is caused by a mutation in the [gene1], [gene2], or [gene3] gene[s].
 
* There are no established causes for [disease name].
==Differentiating UTCD from Other Diseases==
UCTD should be differentiated from other causes of arthritis and rash such as [[SLE]], [[Sjögren's syndrome]], [[Rheumatoid arthritis]].
==Differentiating Undifferentiated connective tissue disease from other Diseases==
 
*[Disease name] must be differentiated from other diseases that cause [clinical feature 1], [clinical feature 2], and [clinical feature 3], such as:
:*[Differential dx1]
:*[Differential dx2]
:*[Differential dx3]
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
* The prevalence of [disease name] is approximately [number or range] per 100,000 individuals worldwide.
There is absence of any epidemiological study regarding UTCD till date but its estimated that UCTD represents 60% of the disease with undifferentiated onset.
* In [year], the incidence of [disease name] was estimated to be [number or range] cases per 100,000 individuals in [location].
 
===Age===
*Patients of all age groups may develop [disease name].
*[Disease name] is more commonly observed among patients aged [age range] years old.
*[Disease name] is more commonly observed among [elderly patients/young patients/children].
===Gender===
*[Disease name] affects men and women equally.
*[Gender 1] are more commonly affected with [disease name] than [gender 2].
* The [gender 1] to [Gender 2] ratio is approximately [number > 1] to 1.
===Race===
*There is no racial predilection for [disease name].
*[Disease name] usually affects individuals of the [race 1] race.
*[Race 2] individuals are less likely to develop [disease name].
==Risk Factors==
==Risk Factors==
*Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] are [risk factor 1], [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].
There are no established risk factors for UCTD.
 
== Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==
==Screening==
*The majority of patients with [disease name] remain asymptomatic for [duration/years].  
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for undifferentiated connective tissue disease.
*Early clinical features include [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
 
*If left untreated, [#%] of patients with [disease name] may progress to develop [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
==Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis==
*Common complications of [disease name] include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
 
*Prognosis is generally [excellent/good/poor], and the [1/5/10­year mortality/survival rate] of patients with [disease name] is approximately [#%].
The symptoms of undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) usually are similar to connective tissue diseases but couldn't complete the criteria for their definitive diagnosis. If left untreated, 24.3-33% of patients with UCTD may progress to develop manifestations of well defined connective tissue disease such as [[systemic lupus erythematosus]], [[Rheumatoid arthritis|rheumatoid arthritis,]] [[Sjögren's syndrome]]. Common complications of UCTD include [[Interstitial lung disease]]- Non specific [[interstitial pneumonia]], [[atherosclerosis]]. Depending on the extent of the UCTD at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as good. The presence of [[interstitial lung disease]] is associated with a particularly good prognosis among patients with UCTD rather than being idiopathic.
==Diagnosis==
== Diagnosis ==
===History and Symptoms===
===Diagnostic Criteria===
Patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) may have a positive history of [[Raynaud's phenomenon]], [[arthritis]], [[photosensitivity]], [[Sicca syndrome|sicca symptoms]], [[pleuritis]]/[[pericarditis]]. The common symptoms of UCTD include [[arthralgia]], [[dry eyes]], [[rash]], [[photosensitivity]] and [[dry mouth]]. Less common symptoms of UCTD include [[fever]], [[pleuritic chest pain]] and [[seizures]].
*The diagnosis of [disease name] is made when at least [number] of the following [number] diagnostic criteria are met:
 
:*[criterion 1]
===Physical Examination===
:*[criterion 2]
Patients with UCTD usually appear well but can present with low-grade [[fever]], [[Raynaud's phenomenon]], [[Rash|rash and]] [[Erythema nodosum]]. On HEENT examination, [[Conjunctivitis]], [[Uveitis]], [[Keratoconjunctivitis sicca]][[Dry-mouth|, dry-mouth]] can be seen. In the neck, [[lymphadenopathy]] can be seen. Rhonchi, [[Wheezing]][[Pleural friction rub|, pleural friction rub]] and [[Pericardial friction rub]] can be heard on auscultation. On examining abdomen, [[tenderness]] in the right/left upper/lower abdominal quadrant and [[hepatomegaly]] may be noted. In the back, tenderness over the lumbar vertebrae can occur and sacral [[edema]] may be seen. [[Rashes|Rash]] can be seen in the genitourinary exam. The patient can have [[altered mental status]] with [[psychosis]] and [[peripheral neuropathy]] and pitting/non-pitting [[edema]] of the lower extremities.
:*[criterion 3]
 
:*[criterion 4]
===Laboratory Findings===
Laboratory findings suggestive of undifferentiated connective tissue disease include [[Leukopenia]],increased [[erythrocyte sedimentation rate]], [[C-reactive protein]], [[Antinuclear antibodies]], anti DNA antibodies, anti Ro/SSA antibodies, and anti-RNP antibodies.
=== History and Symptoms ===
 
*[Disease name] is usually asymptomatic.
===CT scan===
*Symptoms of [disease name] may include the following:
There are no [[CT scan]] findings associated specifically with undifferentiated connective tissue disease.
:*[symptom 1]
 
:*[symptom 2]
===MRI===
:*[symptom 3]
There are no [[MRI]] findings associated specifically with undifferentiated connective tissue disease.
:*[symptom 4]
 
:*[symptom 5]
===Other Imaging Findings===
:*[symptom 6]
There are no other imaging findings associated specifically with undifferentiated connective tissue disease.
 
=== Physical Examination ===
===Other Diagnostic Studies===
*Patients with [disease name] usually appear [general appearance].
There are no other diagnostic studies associated specifically with undifferentiated connective tissue disease.
*Physical examination may be remarkable for:
:*[finding 1]
:*[finding 2]
:*[finding 3]
:*[finding 4]
:*[finding 5]
:*[finding 6]
=== Laboratory Findings ===
*There are no specific laboratory findings associated with [disease name].


*A  [positive/negative] [test name] is diagnostic of [disease name].
==Treatment==
*An [elevated/reduced] concentration of [serum/blood/urinary/CSF/other] [lab test] is diagnostic of [disease name].
===Medical Therapy===
*Other laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of [disease name] include [abnormal test 1], [abnormal test 2], and [abnormal test 3].
The pharmacologic medical therapy is recommended based on the rheumatic disease pattern manifested by the patient such as [[methotrexate]] in those exhibiting [[arthritis]] and [[dermatitis]]. Supportive therapy includes; avoiding cold exposure in those experiencing [[Raynaud's phenomenon]], avoiding sun in [[photosensitivity]][[Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug|non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] for pain control, [[sunscreen]] used for [[photosensitivity]], and [[emollients]] for dry skin and rash.
===Imaging Findings===
*There are no [imaging study] findings associated with [disease name].
*[Imaging study 1] is the imaging modality of choice for [disease name].
*On [imaging study 1], [disease name] is characterized by [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
*[Imaging study 2] may demonstrate [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
=== Other Diagnostic Studies ===
*[Disease name] may also be diagnosed using [diagnostic study name].
*Findings on [diagnostic study name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
== Treatment ==
=== Medical Therapy ===
*There is no treatment for [disease name]; the mainstay of therapy is supportive care.
*The mainstay of therapy for [disease name] is [medical therapy 1] and [medical therapy 2].
*[Medical therapy 1] acts by [mechanism of action 1].
*Response to [medical therapy 1] can be monitored with [test/physical finding/imaging] every [frequency/duration].
=== Surgery ===
*Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for [disease name].
*[Surgical procedure] in conjunction with [chemotherapy/radiation] is the most common approach to the treatment of [disease name].
*[Surgical procedure] can only be performed for patients with [disease stage] [disease name].
=== Prevention ===
*There are no primary preventive measures available for [disease name].
*Effective measures for the primary prevention of [disease name] include [measure1], [measure2], and [measure3].


*Once diagnosed and successfully treated, patients with [disease name] are followed-up every [duration]. Follow-up testing includes [test 1], [test 2], and [test 3].  
===Prevention===
There are no established measures for the prevention of undifferentiated connective tissue disease.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}
   
   
[[Category:Rheumatology]]
[[Category:Rheumatology]]

Latest revision as of 18:43, 30 May 2018

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Amandeep Singh M.D.[2]

Overview

The concept of undifferentiated connective tissue disease(UCTD) came into existence in 1980 when LeRoy et al found out some disease entities which don't qualify the criteria of definite connective tissue disease but resemble rheumatological diseases. The patients with UCTD presents with signs and symptoms of connective tissue diseases like arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Dry-mouth, dry eyes.Undifferentiated connective tissue disorder(UCTD) are actually a group of disorders that are unclassified in other connective tissue disorders. UCTD may be classified according to criteria developed by American College of Rheumatology(ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism(EULAR) : early Raynaud's phenomenon, early inflammatory arthritis that is not classified as rheumatoid arthritis, some manifestations same as that of inflammatory myopathy, systemic lupus erythematosusSjögren's syndrome, vasculitis, serositis, or interstitial lung disease which don't meet diagnostic criteria for each of them and early scleroderma.The exact pathogenesis of undifferentiated connective tissue disorder(UCTD) is not fully understood. It is understood that UCTD is the result of autoimmune process and occurs in phases: Initial phase: which is asymptomatic and absence of auto-antibodies and second phase with the presence of auto-antibodies. The second phase is usually triggered by the environmental factors, such as infection. Auto-antibodies appear before the symptoms of the disease.The time between the two is variable. Autoantibodies usually seen in UCTD with positive correlation are antibodies against C1q ,Anti heat shock protein(hsp)-65, Anti hsp 60. The clinical picture involves the overlap of symptoms of other rheumatological disease but not completing the criteria of their diagnosis. More studies are needed to find the pathogenesis of UCTD.The cause of undifferentiated connective tissue disease has not been identified.UCTD is differentiated with other causes of arthritis and rash such as SLESjögren's syndromeRheumatoid arthritis. Not enough epidemiological studies have been done but about 25% of the presentation of more than 1 year resembles connective tissue disorder.UCTD is differentiated with other causes of arthritis and rash such as SLESjögren's syndromeRheumatoid arthritis.There are no established risk factors for UCTD.The symptoms of undifferentiated connective tissue disease(UCTD) usually are similar to connective tissue diseases but couldn't complete the criteria for their definitive diagnosis. If left untreated, 24.3-33% of patients with UCTD may progress to develop manifestations of well defined connective tissue disease such as systemic lupus erythematosusrheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome. Common complications of UCTD include Interstitial lung disease- Non specific interstitial pneumoniaatherosclerosis. Depending on the extent of the UCTD at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as good. The presence of interstitial lung disease is associated with a particularly good prognosis among patients with UCTD rather than being idiopathic.Patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) may have a positive history of Raynaud's phenomenonarthritisphotosensitivitysicca symptomspleuritis/pericarditis. The common symptoms of UCTD include arthralgiadry eyesrashphotosensitivity and dry mouth. Less common symptoms of UCTD include feverpleuritic chest pain and seizures. Patients with UCTD usually appear well but can present with low-grade feverRaynaud's phenomenonrash and Erythema nodosum in the skin examination. On examining HEENT,ConjunctivitisUveitisKeratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry-mouth can be seen. In the neck, lymphadenopathy can be seen. Rhonchi, Wheezing, pleural friction rub and Pericardial friction rub can be heard on auscultation.On examining abdomen, tenderness in the right/left upper/lower abdominal quadrant and hepatomegaly are noted. In the back, tenderness over lumbar vertebrae can occur and sacral edema may be seen.Rashes can be seen in the genitourinary exam. The patient can have altered mental statuswith psychosis and peripheral neuropathy and Pitting/non-pitting edema of the lower extremities. Laboratory findings suggestive of undifferentiated connective tissue disease include Leukopenia,increased erythrocyte sedimentation rateC-reactive proteinAntinuclear antibodies, anti DNA antibodies, anti Ro/SSA antibodies and anti-RNP antibodies.The pharmacologic medical therapy is recommended based on the rheumatic disease pattern manifested by the patient such as methotrexate in those exhibiting arthritis and dermatitis. Supportive therapy includes; avoiding cold exposure in those experiencing Raynaud's phenomenon, avoiding sun in photosensitivitynon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain control, sunscreen used for photosensitivity, and emollients for dry skin, rash.The mainstay of treatment for undifferentiated connective tissue disorder is medical therapy. Surgery is rarely needed for patients for surgical biopsy in case of diagnosis.The feasibility of surgery depends on the prognosis at diagnosis.

Historical Perspective

Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) was first explored by LeRoy et al in 1980.

Classification

Undifferentiated connective tissue disorder (UCTD) are actually a group of disorders that are unclassified in other connective tissue disorders. UCTD may be classified according to the criteria developed by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) into: early Raynaud's phenomenon, early inflammatory arthritis that is not classified as rheumatoid arthritis, some manifestations same as that of inflammatory myopathy, systemic lupus erythematosusSjögren's syndrome, vasculitis, serositis, or interstitial lung disease which don't meet diagnostic criteria for each of them and early scleroderma.

Pathophysiology

The exact pathogenesis of undifferentiated connective tissue disorder (UCTD) is not fully understood. It is understood that UCTD is the result of an autoimmune process and occurs in phases: Initial phase: which is asymptomatic and is characterized by absence of auto-antibodies and second phase which is characterized by the presence of auto-antibodies. The second phase is usually triggered by the environmental factors, such as infection. Auto-antibodies appear before the symptoms of the disease.The time between the two is variable. Autoantibodies usually seen in UCTD with positive correlation are antibodies against C1q ,Anti heat shock protein (hsp)-65, Anti hsp 60. The clinical picture involves the overlap of symptoms of other rheumatological disease but not completing the criteria of their diagnosis. More studies are needed to find the pathogenesis of UCTD.

Causes

The cause of undifferentiated connective tissue disease has not been identified.

Differentiating UTCD from Other Diseases

UCTD should be differentiated from other causes of arthritis and rash such as SLE, Sjögren's syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis.

Epidemiology and Demographics

There is absence of any epidemiological study regarding UTCD till date but its estimated that UCTD represents 60% of the disease with undifferentiated onset.

Risk Factors

There are no established risk factors for UCTD.

Screening

There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for undifferentiated connective tissue disease.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

The symptoms of undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) usually are similar to connective tissue diseases but couldn't complete the criteria for their definitive diagnosis. If left untreated, 24.3-33% of patients with UCTD may progress to develop manifestations of well defined connective tissue disease such as systemic lupus erythematosusrheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome. Common complications of UCTD include Interstitial lung disease- Non specific interstitial pneumoniaatherosclerosis. Depending on the extent of the UCTD at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as good. The presence of interstitial lung disease is associated with a particularly good prognosis among patients with UCTD rather than being idiopathic.

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) may have a positive history of Raynaud's phenomenonarthritisphotosensitivitysicca symptomspleuritis/pericarditis. The common symptoms of UCTD include arthralgiadry eyesrashphotosensitivity and dry mouth. Less common symptoms of UCTD include feverpleuritic chest pain and seizures.

Physical Examination

Patients with UCTD usually appear well but can present with low-grade feverRaynaud's phenomenonrash and Erythema nodosum. On HEENT examination, ConjunctivitisUveitisKeratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry-mouth can be seen. In the neck, lymphadenopathy can be seen. Rhonchi, Wheezing, pleural friction rub and Pericardial friction rub can be heard on auscultation. On examining abdomen, tenderness in the right/left upper/lower abdominal quadrant and hepatomegaly may be noted. In the back, tenderness over the lumbar vertebrae can occur and sacral edema may be seen. Rash can be seen in the genitourinary exam. The patient can have altered mental status with psychosis and peripheral neuropathy and pitting/non-pitting edema of the lower extremities.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings suggestive of undifferentiated connective tissue disease include Leukopenia,increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, Antinuclear antibodies, anti DNA antibodies, anti Ro/SSA antibodies, and anti-RNP antibodies.

CT scan

There are no CT scan findings associated specifically with undifferentiated connective tissue disease.

MRI

There are no MRI findings associated specifically with undifferentiated connective tissue disease.

Other Imaging Findings

There are no other imaging findings associated specifically with undifferentiated connective tissue disease.

Other Diagnostic Studies

There are no other diagnostic studies associated specifically with undifferentiated connective tissue disease.

Treatment

Medical Therapy

The pharmacologic medical therapy is recommended based on the rheumatic disease pattern manifested by the patient such as methotrexate in those exhibiting arthritis and dermatitis. Supportive therapy includes; avoiding cold exposure in those experiencing Raynaud's phenomenon, avoiding sun in photosensitivitynon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain control, sunscreen used for photosensitivity, and emollients for dry skin and rash.

Prevention

There are no established measures for the prevention of undifferentiated connective tissue disease.

References