Internal organ involvement in juvenile connective tissue disease

Using noninvasive investigative techniques, cardiac, pulmonary and gastrointestinal abnormalities were found in patients with all types of connective tissue diseases. Impedance rheography suggested impaired myocardial function. Abnormalities of pulmonary function included a decrease in diffusing lung capacity for CO (DL) values followed by restrictive ventilatory defects and mild alveolar hyperventilation. The results of endoscopic investigation of the gastrointestinal tract showed inflammatory changes. Ultrasonography revealed dyskinesis of the ducts of the gallbladder and some hepatic and pancreatic structural changes.