American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What condition can result in edema of the hands as one of its clinical features?

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis

2. Polymyalgia Rheumatica

3. Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

4. Giant Cell Arteritis

The correct answer is: Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) can result in edema of the hands due to its complex interplay of various autoimmune features. MCTD is characterized by a combination of symptoms typically associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. One hallmark feature of MCTD is swelling and edema, particularly in the fingers and hands, which can occur due to inflammation, vascular involvement, and potential fluid retention resulting from the autoimmune processes affecting connective tissues. The presence of syndromes such as Raynaud's phenomenon, joint pain, and skin changes commonly seen in MCTD may also contribute to hand swelling. Therefore, when evaluating conditions that present with hand edema, MCTD stands out due to these specific autoimmune dynamics. Other conditions listed may involve joint pain and stiffness or systemic symptoms but typically do not feature edema of the hands as prominently as seen in Mixed Connective Tissue Disease.