A 45-year-old woman presents with a 4-month history of severe headaches and pain, and blanching of the hands upon exposure to cold. She is a nonsmoker. Over the past 6 months, she has noticed progressive difficulty in swallowing solid food. Physical examination reveals smooth and tight skin over the face and fingers. The serologic test for anti-Scl-70 (antitopoi-somerase) is positive. Painful hands in this patient are best described using which of the following terms?
Correct Answer: Raynaud phenomenon
Description: This patient suffers from scleroderma complicated by Raynaud phenomenon. The latter refers to intermittent, bilateral attacks of vasospasm of the fingers or toes (sometimes affecting the ears or nose), resulting in pallor, paresthesias, and pain from ischemia. The symptoms are precipitated by cold or emotional stimuli and relieved by heat. Raynaud phenomenon may occur as an isolated disorder or as a feature of a number of systemic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. Intermittent claudication (choice C) is associated with peripheral vascular disease (atherosclerosis). Chilblains (choice A) represent itchy or tender red or purple bumps that occur as a reaction to cold.Diagnosis: Scleroderma
Category:
Pathology
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now