Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Updated: 11/25/2016
Although Rheumatology falls under the Orthopedics section of the PANCE, which counts for 10% of the test, it isn’t heavily emphasized during PANCE review courses or in PA school, for that matter. I think our program probably spent 1 week or less on Rheumatology. This part of the test doesn’t have to be scary and it doesn’t have to be a bunch of memorization, either. Just remembering the basics can get you the answers you need to a few questions on the PANCE so that you’re not missing the easy “quick and dirty” questions.
A good place to start is with lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect many systems and one of the most challenging aspects about diagnosing it is that many of the symptoms are nonspecific and overlap with other common conditions. You’re almost guaranteed to have a question or two on lupus on your PACKRAT, EOR Exam, PANCE or PANRE. The thing to note about all rheumatological conditions are their overlaps and subtle differences. Lupus has a very characteristic malar rash that is often tested over - keep in mind they can give you a description or photo with a corresponding vignette. Don’t focus too much on all of the manifestations of lupus. It can appear quite vague most times and is often a diagnosis of exclusion.
