Overview
MCTD develops as RNP (ribonucleoprotein) molecules are attacked by antibodies, inhibiting the production of messenger RNA. The body’s fibers that help to establish its framework and physical support (connective tissues) are also attacked.
Often referred to as an overlap disease, MCTD presents with signs and symptoms that can also look like several other conditions (including lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis). It is a disease that presents different symptoms of different diseases over the course of several years but typically afflicts the hands early on.