title: Clinical features of the arthritis of mixed connective tissue disease.
abstract: Seventeen of 19 patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) had arthritis as a significant initial feature of their disease; 8 were given an initial diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 4 received chrysotherapy. RA-like hand deformities were present in 35% and contractures and/or persistent loss of joint motion in 47%. Joint radiographs showed abnormalities in 41% and included erosions and/or cysts in 30%. The arthritis of MCTD may be both erosive and deforming and this disease should be considered in patients presenting as RA with unusual features.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D003095:Collagen Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography