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Anticentromere antibody systemic sclerosis — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

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ModerateMusculoskeletal investigationsAnticentromere antibody systemic sclerosisSCE Rheumatology

A 47-year-old woman has Raynaud's phenomenon, telangiectasia and reflux. ANA shows centromere pattern and anti-centromere antibody is positive; skin thickening is limited to fingers. What complication should be screened for over time?

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Correct answer: C — Pulmonary arterial hypertension

Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis with anticentromere antibody is associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension risk, requiring structured screening with tests such as echocardiography, NT-proBNP and lung function. Lupus nephritis is linked to SLE rather than this phenotype. Regular screening matters because symptoms may appear late.

Reference: BSR systemic sclerosis guideline 2024; EULAR systemic sclerosis recommendations