The Virtual Lupus Clinic is a four-part series with case-based learning to help non-rheumatologists recognize, refer, and manage patients with lupus in conjunction with a rheumatologist. You will virtually examine four patients, each presenting with different symptoms, decide which labs to order, build the differential diagnosis, and decide next steps for treating the patient, including appropriate referrals, if needed. With Virtual Lupus Clinic, you receive:

• Four cases
• Multiple-choice questions with in-depth answer rationales
• Image and educational links
• Up to 4.00 ABIM MOC points and 4.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ with a passing score of 70% or higher in each of the four cases
  • Case 1 – 1.00
  • Case 2 – 1.00
  • Case 3 – 1.00
  • Case 4 – 1.00

Target Audience

Non-rheumatology physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners

Learning Objectives

Case 3: A 34-year-old Caucasian female with new onset HTN, pitting edema, weight gain, scarring alopecia, scarring rash on the nose, arthritis, and fatigue. 

Upon completion of the activity, participants should be able to do the following:

• Identify classic and atypical presentations of lupus, focusing on patient history, signs, symptoms, and physical examination findings
• Identify and interpret lab studies typically utilized in a new patient workup sent when evaluating a new patient with lupus
• Effectively communicate results of initial evaluation to patients, including strategies to ensure effective handoff to a specialist, if appropriate
• Recall when to properly refer a patient to rheumatology in a timely manner

CME and MOC Information

Accreditation Statement

The American College of Rheumatology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation Statement

The ACR designates this online activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activities.

MOC Statement

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.00 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, ACR has implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of this CME activity to identify and mitigate all relevant financial relationships for all individuals in a position to control the content of this CME activity.

By completing this activity you provide the ACR permission to share completion data with the ACCME and the certifying board(s).

Faculty and Disclosures

ACR Disclosure Statement

The ACR is an independent, professional organization that does not endorse specific procedures or products of any pharmaceutical/biotech concern. Educational activities provided by the ACR must demonstrate balance, independence, and scientific rigor. All those in a position to control the content of an activity must disclose all relevant financial relationship(s) with commercial interest(s). For this educational activity, all conflicts of interest have been resolved through peer review and revisions to ensure independence, evidence base, fair balance, and absence of commercial bias.

Faculty participating in an ACR-sponsored activity must disclose to the editorial team and audience any financial or other relationship(s) including, but not limited to:

1. Stock, stock options, or bond holdings in a for-profit corporation or self-directed pension plan
2. Research grants
3. Employment (full or part-time)
4. Ownership or partnership
5. Consulting fees or other remuneration (payment)
6. Non-remunerative positions of influence such as officer, board member, trustee, or public spokesperson
7. Receipt of royalties
8. Speakers' bureau
   
   

Faculty

Faculty

1. Petros Efthimiou, MD (Planner) – Springer⁷, Uptodate⁷, Pfizer⁵, Amgen⁵, Sanofi⁵, Kiniksa⁵
2. M. Brad Nelson, MD, MPH (Planner) – None
3. B. Anne Eberhard, MBBS (Planner) – None
4. Parastoo Fazeli, MD (Planner) – None
5. Schartess Culpepper Pace, MD (Planner) – None
6. Nina Ramessar, MD (Planner) – GlaxoSmithKline⁸
7. Kimberly DeQuattro, MD (Reviewer) – Kyverna Pharmaceuticals⁵, GlaxoSmithKline⁵
8. Shivani Garg, MD (Reviewer) – None