Rheumatology

Question 1

Anti U1 RNP (RiboNucleoProtein)

Answer 1

Mixed connective tissue disease commonly abbreviated as MCTD, is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of elevated blood levels of a specific autoantibody, now called anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) together with a mix of symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, and polymyositis.

Anti U1 RNP is one of major 6 criteria for MCTD, 4 of which are needed for a definite diagnosis.

Question 2

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Answer 2

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD or OD) is a joint disorder in which cracks form in the articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone.[1] OCD usually causes pain and swelling of the affected joint which catches and locks during movement. Physical examination typically reveals an effusion, tenderness, and a crackling sound with joint movement

Question 3

Felty’s syndrome

Answer 3

Felty’s syndrome is a rare, potentially serious disorder that is defined by the presence of three conditions: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) and a decreased white blood cell count (neutropenia), which causes repeated infections

Question 4

Polyarthralgia, screlodactyly, Raynaud’s, bacterial overgrowth and malabsorption causing diarrhoea, facial rash (telangectasias), positive centromere antibodies are characteristic of what condition?

Answer 4

Limited cutaneous scleroderma (CREST)

Calcinosis cutis, Raynaud’s, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, Telangectasias

Question 5

Anti Scl 70 and anti RNA polymerase III antibodies are characteristic of what condition?

Answer 5

Systemic / Diffuse Scleroderma

Question 6

What conditions is ischaemic optic atrophy associated with?

Answer 6

1. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s)
2. GCA
3. SLE
4. Optic neuritis & MS
5. Papillodema
6. B12 deficiency
7. Quinine
8. Methyl alcohol ingestion
9. Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (mitochondrial disorder)