Question

A 25-year-old woman presents with a 3-month history of symmetrical swelling, pain, and stiffness in the MCP and PIP joints of her hands. Morning stiffness lasts over an hour. Which investigation is most specific for confirming the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibody

Answer

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Answer

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Answer

Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA)

Answer

Rheumatoid factor (RF)

Practice question

A 25-year-old woman presents with a 3-month history of symmetrical swelling, pain, and stiffness in the MCP and PIP joints of her hands. Morning stiffness lasts over an hour. Which investigation is most specific for confirming the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis?