Mixed connective tissue disease with multiple organ damage: Successful treatment with plasmapheresis

A 24-year-old-woman with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) developed m ultiple organ failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), metabo lic acidosis, and respiratory and renal failure resulting from visceral vas ospasm, so-called visceral Raynaud's phenomenon. After plasmapheresis, the condition of multiple organ failure was markedly improved, The successful t reatment with plasmapheresis was dependent upon the removal of immune compl exes in serum and improvement of visceral circulation, Thus plasma exchange is recommended as a possible a treatment for multiple organ damage in MCTD .