Which of the following is true of psoriatic arthritis-
The question asks which statement is true. Since the options aren't provided, I'll have to think of common true statements. Let's consider typical features. Psoriatic arthritis often presents with dactylitis (sausage digits), nail changes like pitting, and joint involvement that can be asymmetric. It's also associated with the HLA-B27 gene in some cases. Another point is that it's a seronegative arthritis, meaning rheumatoid factor is negative, unlike rheumatoid arthritis.
Now, the correct answer might be something like "Presents with nail pitting" or "Is a seronegative arthritis." Let's assume the correct answer is D: "Is a seronegative arthritis." Then, the explanation would involve explaining why that's true and why others are not. For example, if option A was "Associated with rheumatoid factor positivity," that's incorrect because psoriatic arthritis is seronegative. Option B might be "Always presents with symmetrical joint involvement," which is false since it's often asymmetric. Option C could be "Commonly affects the distal interphalangeal joints," which is actually true, but if that's not the correct answer here, I need to adjust. Wait, maybe the correct answer is about dactylitis. Let me check standard MCQs. Common true statements include nail changes, dactylitis, and association with psoriasis. Also, it's a type of spondyloarthropathy, so HLA-B27 is a marker. The clinical pearl might be that nail pitting is a key diagnostic clue. The correct answer could be about nail changes or seronegative status. Let me structure the explanation accordingly.
**Core Concept**
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, classified as a seronegative spondyloarthropathy. It presents with asymmetric joint involvement, nail dystrophy, dactylitis, and enthesitis, and is linked to HLA-B27 in some patients.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct statement is **"Nail pitting is a characteristic feature."** PsA commonly causes nail changes, including pitting, onycholysis, and subungual hyperkeratosis due to inflammation in the nail matrix. These findings are pathognomonic and help differentiate PsA from other arthritides like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which lacks such nail changes.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *"Associated with rheumatoid factor positivity"* β PsA is seronegative for rheumatoid factor (RF), unlike RA.
**Option B:** *"Always presents with symmetrical joint involvement"* β PsA often affects joints asymmetrically, particularly distal interphalangeal joints.
**Option C:** *"Commonly affects proximal interphalangeal joints"* β PsA preferentially targets distal interphal