Mixed Connective Tissue Disease with Acute Gastroenteritis and Hypothyroidism: A Case Report

Abstract

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease and is the least common connective tissue disorder. The presence of high titers of serum anti-U1 small nuclear Ribonucleoprotein along with features of SLE, Systemic Sclerosis, Dermatomyositis and Rheumatoid Arthritis is typical of the disease. We present a case of a 38 year old female patient, a known case of hypothyroidism, who presented with symptoms indicative of gastroenteritis but on further evaluation with appropriate investigations and based on the diagnostic criteria was found to be suffering with MCTD and was treated accordingly. We discuss the prognosis and the importance of early diagnosis to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Keywords

• connective tissue disease
• scleroderma
• myositis