American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What type of joint manifestations are commonly observed in Sjögren syndrome?

1. Gouty arthritis

2. Statin-induced myopathy

3. Rheumatoid arthritis

4. Non-erosive inflammatory arthritis

The correct answer is: Non-erosive inflammatory arthritis

In Sjögren syndrome, the joint manifestations typically include non-erosive inflammatory arthritis. This type of arthritis is characterized by joint pain and swelling but does not lead to joint destruction or erosion, which is key in distinguishing it from other forms of inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with Sjögren syndrome often experience symptoms that resemble those of other autoimmune conditions, including peripheral joint pain and stiffness. The absence of erosive changes differentiates this from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, where destructive changes to the joints are common. The understanding of how non-erosive inflammatory arthritis presents in Sjögren syndrome is important, not just for diagnosis but for management, as treatment strategies may differ significantly based on the severity and type of the arthritic manifestation. Recognizing this specific presentation helps clinicians tailor the therapeutic approach to the patient’s overall disease management.