Anti-RNA polymerase III antibody is most specifically associated with which scleroderma complication?
- A Pulmonary arterial hypertension
- B Scleroderma renal crisis ✓
- C Interstitial lung disease
- D Cardiac conduction defects
Correct answer: B. Scleroderma renal crisis
Explanation
Anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies are found in diffuse cutaneous SSc and are strongly associated with scleroderma renal crisis — an acute hypertensive emergency with thrombotic microangiopathy that can lead to acute kidney injury. These patients require urgent ACE inhibitor therapy (captopril is first-line). Anti-centromere antibody is associated with limited SSc and PAH; anti-topoisomerase I (anti-Scl-70) is associated with ILD. Anti-RNA polymerase III also correlates with higher risk of concurrent malignancy.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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