Overview
Introduction
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) produces an overlap pattern rather than a single organ illness.
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) produces an overlap pattern rather than a single-organ illness. A patient may begin with Raynaud phenomenon and puffy fingers, then develop inflammatory arthritis, proximal muscle weakness, scleroderma-like skin changes, dysphagia, interstitial lung disease, or pulmonary arterial hypertension over time. The NP's clinical task is to identify the current phenotype, establish whether vital organs are involved, and recognize changes that require urgent rheumatology, pulmonary, or cardiac assessment.