American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What type of arthritis is most commonly caused by systemic lupus erythematosus?

1. Osteoarthritis

2. Rheumatoid arthritis

3. Nonerosive arthritis

4. Infectious arthritis

The correct answer is: Nonerosive arthritis

The most commonly associated type of arthritis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is nonerosive arthritis. This condition is characterized by joint pain and swelling but lacks the destructive changes seen in other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. In SLE, joint symptoms often present as migratory arthritis affecting multiple joints, particularly the small joints of the hands and feet, and are usually non-deforming. Nonerosive arthritis tends to be transient and can resolve spontaneously, indicating that while it can be quite painful, it does not lead to the same joint damage typically seen with other forms of arthritis. The absence of deformities and joint destruction is a hallmark that distinguishes it from the erosive processes characterized by rheumatoid arthritis, which leads to joint damage over time. In contrast, osteoarthritis is primarily a degenerative joint disease associated with aging or wear and tear, while infectious arthritis is caused by an infection in the joint space. Neither of these conditions is directly linked to systemic lupus erythematosus. Understanding the specific type of arthritis associated with SLE is essential for effective management and treatment of the disease's musculoskeletal manifestations.