Imad Sadeq Mohammed Jawad , Ahmed Thabit Numan , Ayad Salih Al-Zubaidy
Vol. 7, Jan-Jun 2019
Abstract:
Ear-nose-throat (ENT) manifestations of rheumatologic disorders represent a diagnostic challenge for the rheumatologist, the otorhinolaryngology, and the general practitioner. Not uncommonly ENT symptoms represent the initial sign of an otherwise asymptomatic or even undiagnosed autoimmune disorder which often calls for prompt and aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. Moreover, ENT symptoms may be overlooked by the patient or the internist who are usually preoccupied with the main manifestations of the disease. Herein we review the most frequent ENT manifestations of connective tissue disorders with emphasis on what we consider to be helpful diagnostic clues that could facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.