A case of undifferentiated connective tissue disease: is it a distinct clinical entity?
BACKGROUND
In November 2001, a 24-year-old woman with thrombocytopenia and Raynaud's phenomenon presented to our clinic. Her physical examination was unremarkable except for bruising on her legs and arms.


METHODS
Laboratory assays detected the presence of antinuclear and anti-ribonucleoprotein antibodies. Tests for antibodies to double-stranded DNA and for antiphospholipid (lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin), anticentromere, anti-Scl-70, and antiplatelet antibodies were negative, as was a Coombs test. An echocardiogram, chest X-ray, and abdominal scan showed no abnormalities. Nailfold digital capillaroscopy revealed minor capillary changes not specific for scleroderma.


METHODS
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease.


RESULTS
The patient was successfully treated initially with high doses of corticosteroids and azathioprine, followed by rapid dose tapering. Therapy was continued for 2 years and then stopped. Over the next 4 years the patient's disease history was unremarkable, apart from mild Raynaud's phenomenon of the hands and the presence antinuclear and anti-ribonucleoprotein antibodies. The diagnosis of undifferentiated connective tissue disease was confirmed at her most-recent assessment, in October 2007.
Mosca
Marta
M
Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. marta.mosca@int.med.unipi.it
Tani
Chiara
C
Bombardieri
Stefano
S
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008947:Mixed Connective Tissue Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D012074:Remission Induction; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000962:Antimalarials; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D001379:Azathioprine