Archive Of Standardized Exam Questions: Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

OVERVIEW

This page is dedicated to organizing various examples of standardized exam questions whose answer is scleroderma (systemic sclerosis). While this may seem a odd practice, it is useful to see multiple examples of how scleroderma will be characterized on standardized exams (namely the boards and the shelf exams). This page is not meant to be used as a tradition question bank (as all of the answers will be the same), however seeing the classic “test” characterization for a disease is quite valuable.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS CONDITION (ON EXAMS)

When it comes to standardized exams, each topic has its own “code” marked by key buzzwords, lab findings, clues, etc. If you are well versed in this code you will be able to more quickly identify the condition that is being discussed, and get the right answer on the exam you are taking. Below is the “code” for scleroderma. 

  • CREST symptoms are classic:
    • Calcinosis 
    • Raynaud phenomenon 
    • Sclerodactyly
    • Telangtasias 
    • Esophageal dysmotility
QUESTION EXAMPLES

Question # 1

A 40 year old woman comes to the clinic because she has a history of severe heartburn that does not resolve with over the counter anti-acids. She also explains that she has had intermittent diarrhea and a 5 lb weight loss over the past year. She explains that her fingers lose color when she reaches for food in the freezer. Her vital signs are unremarkable. Physical examination is notable only for painful edema of several fingertips. What is the likely diagnosis?

Explanation # 1

Esophageal dysmotility (acid reflux) + Raynaud phenomenon (loss of color in fingers + sclerodactyly (edema in fingers) = scleroderma

Question # 2

 

Explanation # 2

 

TESTABLE FACTS ABOUT THIS TOPIC (BEYOND ITS IDENTIFICATION)

Many questions on standardized exams go beyond simply recognizing the underlying topic. Often there are specific testable facts regarding some aspect of the topic’s pathophysiology/management/clinical implications that are commonly asked. Some of these are listed below:

  • Complications
    • Pulmonary hypertension
 

 

 

Page Updated:03.27.2017