Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common connective tissue diseases and can be inherited. RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks its own body. In this systemic disorder, immune cells attack and inflame the membrane around joints.
What diseases cause rheumatoid arthritis?
- - Cardiovascular disorders - Gastrointestinal disease - Renal diseases - Pulmonary diseases - Infections - Osteoporosis - Tumors - Depression
What causes MCTD?
- High concentrations in blood tests of a particular antibody called anti-U1-RNP (ribonucleoprotein).
- An absence of the severe kidney and central nervous system problems often found in SLE patients.
- Severe arthritis and pulmonary hypertension,which may not be found in either SLE or scleroderma patients.
Does rheumatoid arthritis affect tendons?
- Chronic tenosynovitis, inflammation of the sheath of a tendon, is common in rheumatoid arthritis and can result in permanent damage and tearing of the involved tendons. Such tendon problems caused by RA are well known by the scientific community and are linked to joint deformities. 1,2
What causes connective tissue disease?
- Exposure to toxic chemicals,such as those found in air pollution and cigarette smoke.
- Exposure to ultraviolet light.
- Inadequate nutrition,including lack of vitamins D and C.
- Infections.
There are many different types of connective tissue disorders, including: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Scleroderma.