Papulosquamous disorders: scleromyxoedema: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Papulosquamous disorders: scleromyxoedema

Sample item

A middle-aged man has widespread firm, waxy, closely set papules on the face, neck and arms, producing a leonine look and stiff fingers. There is no thyroid disease and no Raynaud phenomenon. Which laboratory finding is expected?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Monoclonal IgG lambda paraprotein

Scleromyxoedema is a generalised lichen myxoedematosus with mucin deposition and almost always an IgG-lambda paraprotein. Intravenous immunoglobulin is an effective treatment.

Option by option

  • A. Monoclonal IgG lambda paraprotein (correct)

    Correct. Scleromyxoedema is associated with an IgG lambda paraprotein.

  • B. Anti-centromere antibody

    Anti-centromere antibodies are seen in limited systemic sclerosis.

  • C. Raised TSH

    Raised TSH would suggest hypothyroidism, which is not part of this disease.

  • D. Anti-Scl-70 antibody

    Anti-Scl-70 is a marker of diffuse systemic sclerosis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is A, Monoclonal IgG lambda paraprotein. Scleromyxoedema is a generalised lichen myxoedematosus with mucin deposition and almost always an IgG-lambda paraprotein.

Why is "Anti-centromere antibody" not the answer?

Anti-centromere antibodies are seen in limited systemic sclerosis.

Why is "Raised TSH" not the answer?

Raised TSH would suggest hypothyroidism, which is not part of this disease.

Why is "Anti-Scl-70 antibody" not the answer?

Anti-Scl-70 is a marker of diffuse systemic sclerosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: scleromyxoedema in Dermatology. Intravenous immunoglobulin is an effective treatment.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Papulosquamous disorders: scleromyxoedema?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.