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Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

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HardConnective Tissue DiseasesDiffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosisSCE Rheumatology

A 24-year-old man has rapidly progressive skin thickening of forearms and trunk, tendon friction rubs, new hypertension and anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies. What is the most important complication to screen for?

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

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Correct answer: EScleroderma renal crisis

The best answer is “Scleroderma renal crisis”. Scleroderma renal crisis is supported by the cited UK or directly applicable specialist authority and best matches the tested threshold, complication or monitoring principle. The remaining choices—“Mixed connective tissue disease”, “Primary Sjögren's disease, with clinical reassessment”, “Repeat ANA titre alone”, “Adalimumab, after specialist assessment”—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: British Society for Rheumatology clinical guidelines: https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/pages/clinical-guidelines