collagen vascular disease

Introduction

A term applied to systemic disorders affecting connective tissue.

Clinical manifestations

• fibrinoid necrosis
• vasculitis 2 autoimmunity
  • anti-nuclear antibodies
  • circulating immune complexes

The term suffers from a lack of any evidence that collagen is involved primarily involved in these disorders. Usage derives from the fact that 'collagen' was once synonymous with 'connective tissue'

More specific terms

• connective tissue disease; soft tissue disease