Collagen-vascular disease associated with multiple endocrinol deficiencies

ABSTRACT

There are two main types of autoimmune diseases which are usually considered to be separate from each other The collagen-vascular disorders, which are due to non-organ specific autoantibodies [antigens present in all cells of the body, e.g. antinuclear antibodies], and the other major group, in which antibodies specific to a certain organ or group of organs occur, e.g. the autoimmune endocrinal disorders [antithyroid, antiadrenal,. etc]. It is considered very unusual to have manifestations of both types of disorders in the same patient. The case presented in this study is an example of a patient presenting with multiple endocrinal defects [growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, as well as diabetes mellitus with insulin resistance]. She also has evidence of a collagen-vascular disorder [systemic lupus]. She may be an example of the syndrome of insulin resistance due to antibodies against insulin receptors, in which collagen disorders may be associated