American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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Study for the ABIM Certification Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Get ready to succeed!

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What is a common feature of severe Henoch-Schönlein purpura?

Exclusively affecting the skin
Multiple organ system involvement
Only gastrointestinal symptoms
Risk of myocardial infarction

The correct answer is: Multiple organ system involvement

Severe Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is characterized by multiple organ system involvement, making it a systemic vasculitis rather than a condition confined to one area. Patients usually present with a classic triad of symptoms: palpable purpura, often on the buttocks and legs, abdominal pain, and arthritis or arthralgia. However, HSP can also lead to complications in several organ systems, including the kidneys (often seen as hematuria or proteinuria), gastrointestinal tract (causing abdominal pain and sometimes intussusception), and joints (resulting in arthralgia). This multifaceted nature of HSP is why recognizing that it affects multiple organ systems is key in understanding the disease and its potential complications. The other options highlight specific aspects that do not encompass the full breadth of HSP. For instance, the condition does not exclusively affect the skin, nor is it limited to gastrointestinal symptoms; it is a systemic disorder. Additionally, while there might be concerns about vascular health in systemic vasculitis, there is no direct link between HSP and an increased risk of myocardial infarction.