MSD Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

honeypot link

Overview of Autoimmune Disorders of Connective Tissue

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Feb 2023
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Get the full details
Topic Resources

What is an autoimmune disorder?

What is an autoimmune disorder of connective tissue?

What are the symptoms of an autoimmune disorder of connective tissue?

Symptoms depend on which disorder you have but can include:

How can doctors tell I have an autoimmune disorder of connective tissue?

Doctors suspect you have an autoimmune disorder of connective tissue based on your symptoms and by doing:

  • Blood tests

  • Sometimes a biopsy (taking out a small piece of tissue to look at under a microscope)

How do doctors treat an autoimmune disorder of connective tissue?

Doctors treat these disorders with:

  • Corticosteroids and other medicine that slow down your immune system and keep it from attacking your own tissue

If you take corticosteroids at high doses or for a long period of time, you have a higher chance of having osteoporosis Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens your bones. Your bones become thinner and more fragile. This is called a loss of bone density. If you have osteoporosis, your bones break more easily... read more Osteoporosis (weak bones). Doctors may have you take vitamin D, calcium, and medicine to keep your bones strong.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz! 
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP