Adults
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD)
Positive ANA with a feature or two (Raynaud's, arthralgia, rash, sicca) that doesn't meet criteria for a defined disease.
What to look for
- Positive ANA plus at least one clinical feature
- No organ involvement and stable over time
- A minority evolve into a defined CTD, usually within the first few years
What to do
- Send ANA titer and pattern, ENA panel, anti-dsDNA, C3/C4, CBC, metabolic panel, urinalysis and ESR/CRP.
- Document all symptoms and photograph transient rashes.
- New organ symptoms, cytopenias or an abnormal urinalysis raise the urgency.
About this urgency level
These benefit from rheumatology input but are not time-critical. Treatment can often begin, or continue, in primary care while the patient waits.
Timeframes are typical targets. Local pathways, capacity and clinical judgment come first.
Sources