Garen T, et al. - In an ethnically homogeneous cohort covering all major connective tissue diseases (CTDs) and primary systemic vasculitides (PSVs), authors evaluated the standard mortality ratios (SMRs) and causes of death across an array of systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Premature deaths were observed across the spectrum of CTDs and PSVs, with highest SMRs in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and antisynthetase syndrome. Overall, the CTD group had the highest mortality. Cardiovascular disease, neoplasms, chronic respiratory disease, and infections were the major causes of death. The highest SMRs were seen in Takayasu arteritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis in the PSV group.