Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
Published on: February 8, 2019
Undifferentiated vasculitis or an evolving systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease?
Nafeesah Fatimah1, Ahmad Ussaid1, Aflak Rasheed2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex , 54600 Lahore , Pakistan.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

