Autoimmune rheumatic disorders include eosinophilic fasciitis, mixed connective tissue disease, polymyositis and dermatomyositis, relapsing polychondritis, Sjögren's syndrome, SLE, and systemic sclerosis. RA and the spondyloarthropathies and their variants (see Joint Disorders) are also immune mediated. The triggers and precise pathophysiology remain unknown for all these disorders, although many aspects of pathogenesis are becoming clearer. Patients with most autoimmune rheumatic disorders are at increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Last full review/revision February 2008 by Rula A. Hajj-ali, MD