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Review Question - QID 100436

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QID 100436 (Type "100436" in App Search)
A 38-year-old female visits your office complaining of several years of joint swelling and stiffness that is worse in the morning and improves throughout the day. Physical examination reveals bilateral deformities at her proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints. The presence of which of the following in this patient’s serum would most help 'rule in' a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis:

Rheumatoid factor

13%

39/293

Anti-nuclear antibody

4%

13/293

Anti-citrullinated protein antibody

78%

228/293

Anti-centromere antibody

3%

8/293

Anti-smooth muscle antibody

0%

0/293

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The patient’s symptoms are indicative of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA, or anti-CCP) has greater than 90% specificity for diagnosing RA.

RA most commonly presents in females 20-40 years old. Joint pain is symmetric with stiffness worse in the morning and improving with use. The proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints are often deformed, while distal interphalangeal joints are spared. Patients may also have systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue.

Wasserman reviews the diagnosis of RA. The likelihood of RA increases according to the number of small joints involved. In addition to ACPA, elevated rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein level, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) suggest RA.

Demoruelle and Deane review the clinical significance of ACPAs. ACPAs are highly specific for RA. The test is helpful in the diagnosis of RA and can also be used to monitor the course and outcomes of disease.

Illustration A shows an x-ray of a hand from a patient with severe rheumatoid arthritis. Note involvement of the metacarpophalangeal joints and proximal interphalangeal joints.

Incorrect answers:
Answer 1: Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody directed against the Fc portion of IgG. It is more sensitive but less specific than ACPA.
Answer 2: Anti-nuclear antibody is a sensitive, but not specific, marker for systemic lupus erythematosus.
Answer 4: Anti-centromere antibody is a marker for CREST syndrome.
Answer 5: Anti-smooth muscle antibody is a marker for autoimmune hepatitis.

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