Overall Characteristics and Early Diagnosis of Patients with Connective Tissue Diseases Sveukupna Obilježja I Rana Dijagnoza U Bolesnika S Bolestima Vezivnog Tkiva

sicca syndrome (dry eyes, dry mouth), pulmonary arterial hypertension/lung fibrosis, a variety of central and peripheral nervous system-related symptoms, and symmetric proximal muscle weakness and pain. Furthermore, proteinuria, hematuria, and recurrent pleuritis/pericarditis also belong to the disease spectrum of these disorders. Symptoms representing antiphospholipid syndrome (recurrent thrombo-embolic events, fetal morbidity, and presence of antiphospholipid autoantibodies) can also be typical contributors. There are further rare findings, including persistent peripheral/central nervous system-related symptoms, leukopenia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. The early recognition of “unusual” associations of organ symptoms is a crucial point.