Overlapping Connective Tissue Disease-Polymyositis and Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma: A Case Report

Polymyositis with concomitant scleroderma is a rare, progressive condition with profound consequences if not addressed promptly. Severity and symptom presentation varies between patients, and much is unknown about how best to treat overlapping connective tissue diseases. This case discusses the rare presentation, medical evaluation, and successful treatment of a 46-year-old woman with excessive muscle atrophy, weakness, and tissue fibrosis, who was diagnosed with overlapping connective tissue disorder after extensive work up that included a muscle biopsy, skin punch biopsy, and autoantibody lab work. This patient recovered well with the use of mycophenolate mofetil demonstrating promising results for similar patients and offering insight into potential methods of evaluation and medical management. Studying cases like this one give providers more knowledge about overlapping connective tissue disease and how to best diagnose and manage them.