Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) or SHARP Syndrome: A Case Report with Review of the Literature

Abstract

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease or SHARP Syndrome was originally described by Gordon. C. Sharp as a syndrome combining clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM), associated with an elevated level of ribonuclease-sensitive antinuclear antibodies. These antibodies were later defined as anti-U1-RNP antibodies. In routine practice, the clinical and immunological distinction between mixed and overlapping connectivitis or a particular form of differentiated connectivitis is sometimes difficult and has little therapeutic consequence. Nevertheless, this can be an ease of approach for the therapist and an ease of understanding for the patient. We report a case of Sharp's syndrome diagnosed in a 37-year-old female patient at the CHU Aristide LeDantec in Dakar, Senegal.