Mixed connective tissue disease presenting as atrial fibrillation, fever, lymphadenopathy, and pericardial effusion

Abstract

Introduction: Mixed connective tissue disease (MctD) is a poorly understood rheumatologic condition that presents with clinical symptoms related to the underlying presence of distinct overlapping autoimmune conditions. Patients can be identified by the presence of a shared antibody to the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein autoantigen. While the condition is considered incurable, prognosis is relatively good with most patients responding well to glucocorticoids. We report a case in which a patient presented with multiple nonspecific symptoms but was found to have multiple organ involvement that ultimately was tied to MctD. case report: We report a 48-year-old male admitted with multiple nonspecific symptoms who was found to have atrial fibrillation, pericardial effusion, pleural effusions, diffuse lymphadenopathy and among other lab abnormalities, pancytopenia and various positive rheumatologic seromarkers. Extensive diagnostic workup led to a diagnosis of mixed connective tissue disease. treatment with weight-based steroids led to a significant improvement of his symptoms. conclusion: Mixed connective tissue disease (MctD) is an