This selection of MCQs in rheumatology is largely aimed at MRCP
candidates but some will be difficult for established rheumatologists
and some will be possible for enthusiastic medical students. The format
of the questions largely follows that used in the MRCP Part I
examination with a few exceptions employing diagrams and
assertion/reason questions (these are explained on p. vi). No gui- dance
on scoring is included since we feel that if an honest attempt is made
at answering the question then the process is, in itself. educa- tional.
Some of the answers have been determined only after consider- able
discussion between us and as far as possible we have attempted to convey
the views expressed in accepted British texts. Where answers seem
contentious an appropriate reference has been given. Similarly the
layout of the chapters largely follows that adopted by standard text
books although the basic sciences have been incorpor- ated within the
individual chapters. We wish to thank Mrs. Dora Smith for typing and
re-typing the manuscript according to the foibles of three different
authors. Leeds, October 1988 P. S. Helliwell H. A. Bird V. Wright
Assertion/Reason Questions These questions consist of two statements.
The first statement is numbered 1 and the second is numbered 2. For
example: 1. A positive family history of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is
often found in patients with this disease. 2. There is an increased
incidence of HLA-B27 antigen in patients with AS.
