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Collagen-vascular diseases

a group of generalised diseases affecting connective tissue and frequently characterised by fibrinoid necrosis or vasculitis; in some collagen diseases, auto-immunization, particularly antinuclear antibodies, has been shown and circulating immune complexes are found. The term is not entirely acceptable because there is no evidence that collagen is primarily involved; collagen was once synonymous with connective tissue rather than describing a specific fibrinous protein in that tissue.

See: connective-tissue diseases.