Organ-Specific Autoimmunity Target tissues include the thyroid (thyroiditis), the islets of Langerhans (diabetes), gastric parietal cells (gastritis) and steroid-producing cells in the adrenal and ovary (Addison's disease) (Lam-Tse et al., 2002).
An autoimmune disorder occurs when a person's immune system mistakenly attacks their own body tissues. Autoimmune disorders are broadly grouped into two categories – 'organ-specific' means one organ is affected, while in 'non-organ-specific' disorders, multiple organs or body systems may be affected.
Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries). These vessels carry blood to and from the heart and the body's organs. In severe cases, the condition can cause organ damage or death.
Organ-specific autoimmune diseases are those where a particular organ or tissue is preferentially targeted by the patient's immune system. For example, the thyroid gland in patients with Graves disease, the beta cells of the endocrine pancreas in patients with type 1 diabetes, or the skin in patients with vitiligo.
Some common autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 diabetes mellitus, are relatively easy to diagnose, while others, such as vasculitis, Addison's disease, lupus, and other rheumatic diseases, are more difficult. Additionally, many of the 100-plus autoimmune diseases are uncommon or rare.
Normally, the immune system makes antibodies to fight off germs. But with Goodpasture syndrome, the immune system mistakenly makes antibodies that attack the lungs and kidneys. This condition can quickly progress to an inflammation of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis) and kidney failure.
Scleroderma is a rare, chronic autoimmune disease that affects skin and internal organs. Scleroderma results from the immune system causing inflammation and tissues changes. It often leads to skin tightening and thickening, and sometimes can affect joints, muscles, heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels or intestines.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder which may affect many organ systems including the skin, joints and internal organs. The disease may be mild or severe and life-threatening. African-Americans and Asians are disproportionately affected.
Asherson's syndrome is an extremely rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the development, over a period of hours, days or weeks, of rapidly progressive blood clots affecting multiple organ systems of the body.
Like systemic lupus, cutaneous lupus is caused by an autoimmune response, meaning the body attacks its own tissues and organs. In cutaneous lupus, the immune system targets skin cells, causing inflammation that leads to red, thick, and often scaly rashes and sores that may burn or itch.
Amyloidosis is a rare disorder that happens when proteins in your body change or mutate, turning into twisted clumps of misshapen proteins that gather on your organs and tissues.
Disease Overview
Ivemark syndrome is a rare disorder that affects multiple organ systems of the body. It is characterized by the absence (asplenia) or underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the spleen, malformations of the heart and the abnormal arrangement of the internal organs of the chest and abdomen.
Foods such as red meat, dairy, pastry, and beverages containing caffeine and alcohol trigger systemic inflammation, aggravating the autoimmune disease. If you are struggling with this condition, check out the most common foods that worsen autoimmune diseases so you can avoid them altogether.
The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown. One theory is that some microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses) or drugs may trigger changes that confuse the immune system. This may happen more often in people who have genes that make them more prone to autoimmune disorders.
Living with Symptoms, but No Diagnosis
Autoimmune diseases are often difficult to diagnose, with no one test available to determine autoimmunity. Tests like the antinuclear antibody test (ANA) or others that look for autoantibodies can indicate an autoimmune disease but may not confirm a diagnosis.
Takayasu arteritis is a rare autoimmune disease. It causes redness and swelling (inflammation) of the large arteries.
Autoimmune rashes can look like scaly red patches, purplish bumps, or more. The appearance of autoimmune rashes will be different, depending on which autoimmune condition is triggering the skin rash. What is this? For example, cutaneous lupus may cause a scaly red patch that does not hurt or itch.
Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of skin inflammation. It causes a burning, itching feeling and a blistering rash. It can affect your palms, the sides of your fingers, and the soles of your feet. In some people, symptoms can be quite severe.
Joint pain is common in lupus, especially in the small joints of the hands and feet. The pain often moves from joint to joint. Joint pain, swelling and stiffness can be the main symptoms for some people with lupus. In most cases, lupus is unlikely to cause permanent damage or change the shape of joints.
These include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroiditis, Sjogren's syndrome and others. Some diseases occur together more frequently, such as type 1 diabetes and celiac, because of a shared gene that predisposes for these diseases.