Autoimmune attack against connective tissues.

Disease affecting the entire body characterized by the combined symptoms of various collagen diseases. Symptoms may include joint pain, inflammation of muscles, non-deforming arthritis and swollen hands. May also affect esophagus and lungs. Treatment often includes administration of corticosteroids.

types of autoimmune diseases also known as 'overlap syndromes'.

A combination of diseases that affect the connective tissues which is indicated by the presence of Anti-nuclear antibody in the blood

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) or Sharp's syndrome is a human autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body. MCTD combines features of polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic scleroderma and is thus considered an overlap syndrome. MCTD commonly causes joint pain/swelling, Raynaud phenomenon, muscle inflammation, and scarring of the skin of the hand.