Undifferentiated vasculitis or an evolving systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease?

Oxf Med Case Reports. 2016 Aug 25;2016(8):omw066. doi: 10.1093/omcr/omw066. eCollection 2016 Aug.

Abstract

Undifferentiated connective tissue diseases usually present with arthralgias, sicca symptoms, Raynaud's phenomenon and leucopenia. This case presents the atypical presentation of an undifferentiated connective tissue disease with extensive cutaneous involvement of fingers and toes leading to gangrene with absence of typical rheumatological symptoms. The autoimmune profile showed positive ANA and anti-Ro/SS-A. Thromboembolism was ruled out on the basis of transthoracic and transesophageal echo. She was treated with I/V corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide that halted the disease progression.

Keywords: Autoimmunity; Undifferentiated connective tissue disease; Vasculitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports