American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which condition is associated with systemic diseases including inflammatory connective tissue disorders?

1. Scleritis

2. Keratitis

3. Uveitis

4. Conjunctivitis

The correct answer is: Scleritis

Scleritis is indeed the condition associated with systemic diseases, particularly inflammatory connective tissue disorders. It is characterized by inflammation of the sclera, which can occur in the context of systemic autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and others. Patients with scleritis often present with significant ocular pain and tenderness, and there may be associated findings that indicate an underlying systemic disorder. The presence of scleritis in a patient can therefore serve as an important clue to the presence of these systemic conditions, prompting a further workup and management strategy that addresses both ocular symptoms and systemic disease. In contrast, while keratitis, uveitis, and conjunctivitis can be associated with eye inflammation, they are not primarily linked to inflammatory connective tissue disorders in the same way that scleritis is. Keratitis refers to inflammation of the cornea and is more commonly associated with infections or trauma. Uveitis involves inflammation within the uveal tract and can have various causes, including infection and trauma, but it does not have the same strong association with systemic connective tissue disorders as scleritis. Conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva, is typically caused by infections or allergens and does not specifically indicate underlying systemic disease.