SSc Exam

Question 1

Hx 1

Answer 1

• course / severity varies
• F>M, 30-50yo
• Risk Factors:
• exposure to silica dust
• exposure to benzene, epoxy resins
• exposure to incr. radiation

Question 2

SSx- Skin

Answer 2

• skin of the face and hands is affected early
• Shiny hands and forearm;
• loss of hair,
• ↓ed sweating (d/t sclerosis)
• Induration (= sclerosis -> late sign)
• Tightness* (facial skin is masklike)

Question 3

SSx- Vascular

Answer 3

• Reynauds
• ulcerations to digits (d/t vasospasm or occlusion)
• Telangiectases (hands, chest)

Question 4

SSx- GIT

Answer 4

• microstomia
• dyspepsia
• dysphagia
• LoW
• oesophageal reflux
• diarrhoea / constipation

Question 5

SSx- Pulmonary

Answer 5

• precordial pain (d/t pulmonary HTN)
• dry cough
• dry rales
• progressive dyspnoea

Question 6

MSK- Joints

Answer 6

• polyarthralgia
• wrists, MCP, PIP, knee, ankle
• joint swelling
• Joint (morning) stiffness
• Decr. ROM

Question 7

SSx- Cardiac

Answer 7

• pericardial effusion
• dyspnoea
• palpitations
• congestive heart failure

Question 8

SSx- Neuro

Answer 8

• Trigeminal neuralgia

* CTS

Question 9

SSx- GU & Renal

Answer 9

• erectile dysfunction
• Renal Insufficiency
• Renal HTN
• HA / Stroke dt HT renal crisis

Question 10

Systemic

Answer 10

• fatigue

* LoW

Question 11

Skin (Oedema & Calcification)

Answer 11

• oedema (d/t vascular changes, and inflammation.
• Calcification (esp. fingers and extremities)
• Trophic ulcerations
• Hypo or hyperpigmentation
• Diffuse pruritus

Question 12

MSK- General

Answer 12

• Myositis (myalgia ±atrophy
• Weakness
• CTS
• Flexion contractures
• Tendon friction rubs (in advanced forms of SSc)
• Acro-osteolysis (= resorption of the distal tip of phalanges)