American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Presence of what biomarker is associated with Limited scleroderma (LcSSc)?

1. Anti-Scl-70 antibodies

2. Anticentromere antibodies

3. Anti-RNP antibodies

4. Anti-Jo1 antibodies

The correct answer is: Anticentromere antibodies

Limited scleroderma (LcSSc) is characterized by distinct clinical and serological features. Anticentromere antibodies are specifically associated with this subtype of scleroderma, as they play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Patients with LcSSc typically present with a milder form of the disease, often affecting the skin of the hands and face, and they experience a slower progression compared to those with diffuse scleroderma. The presence of anticentromere antibodies is a significant marker because it helps differentiate LcSSc from other forms of scleroderma. This serological marker is found in approximately 60-70% of patients with limited scleroderma, and it is often associated with a lower risk of internal organ involvement and pulmonary complications, which are more common in diffuse scleroderma. Understanding the role of anticentromere antibodies enables healthcare providers to make a more accurate diagnosis and to monitor the progression or stability of the disease, guiding treatment decisions appropriately.