bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Overview of Autoimmune Disorders of Connective Tissue
Symptoms
In autoimmune disorders, inflammation and the immune response may result in connective tissue damage, not only in and around joints but also in other tissues, including vital organs, such as the kidneys and organs in the gastrointestinal tract. The sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium), the membrane that covers the lungs (pleura), and even the brain can be affected. The type and severity of symptoms depend on which organs are affected. Most autoimmune rheumatic disorders increase the risk of developing cholesterol deposits (plaques) in arteries, resulting in hardening of the arteries ( Atherosclerosis ). 