Diagnostic approaches to connective tissue diseases

Abstract

Connective tissue is one of the body's most pervasive tissues and is responsible for producing and maintaining form in nearly every organ in the body. It functions in a mechanical role, producing a matrix that serves to support and protect most of the major organ systems. Because connective tissues have such an important function, most of the major connective tissue diseases are either life threatening or crippling with enormous impact on healthcare cost. Diseases of connective tissues are manifested by either increased breakdown of connective tissues, as in osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, or overproduction of connective tissues, as in scleroderma and hepatic fibrosis.