skip to main content

Erosive hand osteoarthritis — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateOsteoarthritis and soft tissue rheumatologyErosive hand osteoarthritisSCE Rheumatology

A 61-year-old woman has painful DIP and PIP joints with intermittent inflammatory flares. X-ray shows central erosions and a gull-wing appearance at several DIP joints. MCP joints are spared and anti-CCP is negative. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Erosive hand osteoarthritis

DIP-predominant disease with central erosions and gull-wing change is typical of erosive hand OA. RA usually affects MCP and wrist joints and marginal erosions. Psoriatic arthritis may affect DIP joints but dactylitis, nail disease and fluffy new bone formation would be expected.

Reference: NICE NG226; BSR rheumatology curriculum