What is the most common connective tissue disease in children?

What is the most common connective tissue disease in children?

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with or without antiphospholipid syndrome, juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), sclerodermiform syndromes, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), and Sjögren syndrome are the disorders that affect children most frequently.

What is localized connective tissue disorder?

Scleroderma is a term for a group of disorders that causes thick, tight skin, buildup of scar tissue, and organ damage. These disorders fall into two general categories: localized scleroderma and systemic sclerosis. Localized scleroderma is confined to the skin and, sometimes, the muscle beneath it.

Does an MRI show connective tissue?

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.

Are connective tissue disorders genetic?

HCTD are a large group of inherited disorders with significant clinical and genetic diversity. These disorders are usually caused by defects in genes that encode primary components of connective tissue, such as collagen and elastin.

What doctor treats connective tissue disorders?

Doctors who treat patients with mixed connective tissue disease include primary-care providers such as general practitioners, internists, and family medicine doctors. Other specialists who can be involved in the care for these patients include neurologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, and nephrologists.

Is connective tissue disease fatal?

Mixed connective tissue disease can lead to serious complications, some of which can be fatal. Complications include: High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). This condition is a major cause of death in people with mixed connective tissue disease.