I am a 25-year-old woman and for almost ten years I have been suffering from Raynaud’s phenomenon in my hands and feet during the winter months. My doctor prescribed some tests, which revealed the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies and raised the possibility of undifferentiated connective tissue disease. What do you think? What are the necessary steps to reach a diagnosis?
Raynaud’s phenomenon can be very bothersome and can hinder certain activities, such as winter sports. Undifferentiated connective tissue disease is a less defined condition that is diagnosed when there are some suggestive elements for a connective tissue disease, but not enough for a more precise diagnosis. At the same time, it will be essential to further investigate, in the medical history and during the examination, the presence of other symptoms compatible with connective tissue disease, such as dry mouth and eyes or skin reactivity to sunlight. Another potentially useful laboratory test is the measurement of anti-ENA antibodies (extractable nuclear antigens).
5th February 2024 (edited on 5th February 2024 | 08:15)
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