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. educational. 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.