American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Anticentromere antibodies are primarily associated with which condition?

1. Diffuse scleroderma

2. Limited scleroderma

3. Rheumatoid arthritis

4. Systemic lupus erythematosus

The correct answer is: Limited scleroderma

Anticentromere antibodies are primarily associated with limited scleroderma, also known as CREST syndrome (Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia). These antibodies are a type of autoantibody that target the centromere region of the cell, and their presence is a hallmark of limited scleroderma, reflecting the underlying autoimmune process characteristic of this condition. In limited scleroderma, the clinical picture is often milder than diffuse scleroderma, with a more gradual onset of symptoms and typically limited skin involvement. The detection of anticentromere antibodies can help in making the diagnosis, as their presence is significantly correlated with the limited form of this connective tissue disease. Other conditions mentioned do not typically show a strong association with anticentromere antibodies. For example, diffuse scleroderma is more commonly associated with other autoantibodies, such as anti-Scl-70 (topoisomerase I antibodies). Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, while also autoimmune diseases, have different associated autoantibodies and do not commonly show a significant connection to anticentromere antibodies. Understanding the specific