Connective tissue diseases
Connective tissue holds the cells of our body together. Diseases
of the connective tissue can affect the skin, joints, muscles and
blood vessels but can also cause problems with organs such as the
heart, lungs, eyes and kidneys.
There are several different types of connective tissue disease.
In rheumatology, we diagnose and treatautoimmuneconnective tissue
diseases. These conditions are caused by the body's own immune
system attacking tissues and causinginflammation. They tend to be
more common in women and those who have a family history of
connective tissue disease.
Autoimmune connective tissue diseases include