overlap syndrome

Introduction

A term used for patients with symptoms of more than one connective tissue disease; for example, patients who may have met diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) & have typical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis.

Also used for patients with concurrent COPD & obstructive sleep apnea.

More specific terms

• mixed connective tissue disease; Sharp's syndrome (MCTD)

Additional terms

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• connective tissue disease; soft tissue disease
• obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)