RA Classification Without Erosions — SCE Rheumatology MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Yes, a score of at least 6 from the four criteria domains can classify rheumatoid arthritis
The best answer is “Yes, a score of at least 6 from the four criteria domains can classify rheumatoid arthritis”. Definite rheumatoid arthritis can be classified when the patient has eligible synovitis and scores at least 6 of 10 across joint involvement, serology, acute-phase reactants and symptom duration; erosions are not obligatory. The remaining choices—“No, a marginal erosion is an obligatory entry criterion, with clinical reassessment, within a rheumatology pathway”, “Yes, but principally when rheumatoid factor is strongly positive, within a rheumatology pathway, after safety review”, “No, symptoms must first persist for two years, after safety review, after specialist assessment”, “Yes, but MRI erosions must replace radiographic erosions, after specialist assessment, with clinical reassessment”—are credible in related rheumatology presentations, but each addresses a different diagnosis, investigation, treatment sequence or complication and does not fit the decisive findings in this stem.
Reference: NICE NG100 rheumatoid arthritis in adults: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng100/chapter/Recommendations