Clustering of organ-specific autoimmunity: a case presentation of multiple sclerosis and connective tissue disorders

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease caused by an autoimmune inflammatory process in the central nervous system (CNS) and is associated with aberrant immune response to myelin selfantigens. Coexistence of MS with other autoimmune disorders, including connective tissue disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome and scleroderma have been reported previously. In the present article we report the coexistence of MS, familial mediterranean fever and ankylosing spondylitis in a patient and review the clinical presentation, neurologic findings, cerebrospinal fluid and radiologic characteristics and treatment options. We further discuss the immunopathogenetic mechanisms for a possible association between MS and autoimmune disorders.