A case of MCTD overlapped by Takayasu's arteritis, presenting Raynaud's phenomenon as the initial manifestation of both diseases

Rheumatol Int. 2009 Apr;29(6):685-8. doi: 10.1007/s00296-008-0717-2. Epub 2008 Oct 11.

Abstract

Raynaud's phenomenon is characteristic three-phase color change of digits that occurs when hands are exposed to cold and subsequently rewarmed. Raynaud's phenomenon has many possible causes, but evaluation tends to focus on a few notorious etiologies, such as, connective tissue diseases. Thus, having reached a diagnosis, detailed physical exam to rule out other possible causes is often not performed. The authors present a case of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and Takayasu's arteritis overlap in a woman, who showed Raynaud's phenomenon as an initial manifestation. She was first diagnosed as having MCTD, but her treatment did not improve the persistent Raynaud's phenomenon. Several years later, follow-up chest CT showed underlying Takayasu's arteritis and a subsequent physical examination revealed that typical abnormalities consistent with Takayasu's arteritis were present. The authors advocate thorough history taking and complete physical examinations on a routine basis to help unearth other underlying causes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Mixed Connective Tissue Disease / diagnosis*
  • Raynaud Disease / diagnosis*
  • Raynaud Disease / etiology
  • Takayasu Arteritis / complications*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Autoantibodies