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SSc PAH Screening — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

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HardSystemic SclerosisSSc PAH ScreeningSCE Rheumatology

An asymptomatic patient with systemic sclerosis has normal baseline cardiopulmonary tests. Which annual pulmonary-arterial-hypertension screening bundle is appropriate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Echocardiography, PFTs including DLCO and NT-proBNP

Systemic sclerosis warrants annual PAH screening with echocardiography, pulmonary-function testing including DLCO and a natriuretic peptide; DETECT can refine assessment in eligible patients. Right-heart catheterisation confirms suspected disease rather than serving as a routine annual screening test.

Reference: 2024 BSR guideline for management of systemic sclerosis (Published September 2024): https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/63/11/2956/7750184; 2022 ESC/ERS guideline for pulmonary hypertension (Published August 2022): https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/38/3618/6673929