Connective Tissue Diseases

Connective tissue disorders are characterised by injury, usually through inflammation, to their two principal component proteins, collagen and elastin. This may arise from infection, or autoimmune disease and although they are difficult to diagnose, it is essential that treatment of these diseases is initiated as soon as possible, if extensive and permanent injury to these tissues is to be avoided. In addition to the musculoskeletal tissues, these diseases may manifest in many different organ systems, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal and nervous systems, and consequently the signs and symptoms of disease are extremely varied and suggest a wide range of possible causes. This new atlas describes how the presenting signs of disease can be recognised and interpreted, and demonstrates how evidence from the physical examination, diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests combine to make possible a definitive diagnosis. Key features: * Authored by leading experts from the UK, Europe and United States * Provides a structured explanation of the diagnostic process, illustrating signs, symptoms and investigations.
* Includes examples of challenging clinical scenarios to highlight the complexities of making a diagnosis * Separate chapters review in detail the epidemiology, presentation and management of each of the major groups of connective tissue disease.