M35: Other systemic involvement of connective tissue

M35.1: Other overlap syndromes

With this disorder, the immune system targets the body’s own tissue. The immune system protects the body from pathogens and foreign substances. The immune system can also destroy cells in the body that have pathologically changed. The immune system can target the body’s connective tissue. There is connective tissue everywhere in the body, for example below the skin and surrounding muscles and organs. Muscles and organs have connective tissue, too.

If the immune system attacks the body’s connective tissue, various problems can result. Possible complaints may include changes to the skin and muscle pain, for example. The blood vessels in your fingers might also contract more than usual in the cold. So the fingers turn white or blue.