Which biomarker is typically elevated in the plasma of patients with chronic heart disease?
A person experiences asthma attacks more than twice during the day and at least once during the night. What is the most likely classification of their asthma?
Which of the following is a renal-specific nephropathy associated with HIV?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Wilson's disease?
The most common cause of pontine hemorrhage is
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a syndrome characterized by which of the following?
Primary hyperparathyroidism is suggested by all of the following, except which of the following?
Which of the following is not a feature of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
Antibodies most commonly seen in drug induced lupus are:
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Crohn's disease?
NEET-PG 2012 - Internal Medicine NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 71: Which biomarker is typically elevated in the plasma of patients with chronic heart disease?
- A. Endothelin-1
- B. Troponin T
- C. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (Correct Answer)
- D. Cortisol
Explanation: ***B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)*** - **BNP** is a hormone secreted by **ventricular cardiomyocytes** in response to increased wall stretch and pressure overload, making it a strong indicator of **myocardial stress** and **chronic heart failure** [1]. - Elevated levels correlate with the **severity of heart failure**, aiding in diagnosis and prognosis [1]. *Endothelin-1* - **Endothelin-1** is a potent **vasoconstrictor** involved in vascular tone regulation and endothelial dysfunction. - While it can be elevated in conditions like **pulmonary hypertension** and **atherosclerosis**, it is not a primary diagnostic biomarker for chronic heart disease in general. *Troponin T* - **Troponin T** is a cardiac-specific protein that is released into the bloodstream following **myocardial injury or necrosis**. - While it is a crucial biomarker for **acute coronary syndromes** (e.g., heart attack), persistently elevated levels are not typical for stable chronic heart disease unless there is ongoing subclinical myocardial damage. *Cortisol* - **Cortisol** is a **stress hormone** produced by the adrenal glands, involved in metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure regulation. - While chronic stress can impact cardiovascular health, cortisol itself is not a specific diagnostic biomarker for chronic heart disease.
Question 72: A person experiences asthma attacks more than twice during the day and at least once during the night. What is the most likely classification of their asthma?
- A. Intermittent asthma
- B. Mild persistent asthma
- C. Moderate persistent asthma
- D. Severe persistent asthma (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Severe persistent asthma*** - This classification is characterized by **frequent symptoms**, specifically asthma attacks occurring more than twice daily and at least once nightly. - Individuals with severe persistent asthma often experience significant limitations in their daily activities and may have a **FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second)** less than 60% of predicted. *Intermittent asthma* - This classification is characterized by symptoms occurring less than two days per week and **nighttime awakenings less than two times per month**. - Symptoms are generally well-controlled with a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) as needed. *Mild persistent asthma* - Patients with mild persistent asthma typically experience symptoms more than twice a week but **less than once a day**, and **nighttime awakenings 3-4 times per month**. - Their lung function (FEV1) is usually 80% or more of predicted. *Moderate persistent asthma* - This category involves daily symptoms and **nighttime awakenings more than once per week but not nightly**. - Lung function (FEV1) in moderate persistent asthma typically falls between 60% and 80% of predicted.
Question 73: Which of the following is a renal-specific nephropathy associated with HIV?
- A. Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (Correct Answer)
- B. Mesangioproliferative Glomerulonephritis
- C. Membranous Nephropathy
- D. Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN)
Explanation: ### Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis - It is a common renal complication associated with **HIV infection**, characterized by **podocyte injury** and segmental sclerosis [1]. - Often results in **nephrotic syndrome**, presenting with significant **proteinuria** and edema, making it distinct in HIV renal pathology [1]. ### Membranous Glomerulonephritis - Typically presents with **subepithelial immune complex deposits**, leading to a different pathophysiological mechanism. - More commonly associated with other secondary causes, such as **drugs** or **infection**, rather than being specific to HIV. ### Mesangioproliferative Glomerulonephritis - Characterized by **mesangial cell proliferation and immune complex deposition**, often linked with various infections but not specifically with HIV. - Usually shows **hematuria** and mild proteinuria, lacking the severe nephrotic syndrome seen in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. ### Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis - Features **proliferation of mesangial and endothelial cells**, leading to a distinctive pattern on renal biopsy, not specific to HIV. - Typically presents in other contexts such as **chronic infections** or **autoimmune diseases**, rather than predominantly with HIV.
Question 74: Which of the following is a characteristic of Wilson's disease?
- A. Increased copper in liver (Correct Answer)
- B. Autosomal dominant
- C. Increased serum ceruloplasmin
- D. Decreased copper excretion in urine
Explanation: ***Increased copper in liver*** - Wilson's disease is characterized by **accumulation of copper** in liver tissues due to defective copper transport [1]. - This excess leads to **hepatocellular damage**, resulting in liver dysfunction and potential cirrhosis [1]. *Decreased copper excretion in urine* - In Wilson's disease, there is actually **decreased excretion of copper**, which results in accumulation in the liver [1]. - **Urine copper levels** are typically low to normal in early stages because the liver fails to excrete excess copper effectively. *Autosomal dominant* - Wilson's disease is inherited in an **autosomal recessive** pattern, not dominant. - It is caused by mutations in the gene responsible for copper transport (ATP7B) [1]. *Increased serum ceruloplasmin* - Serum ceruloplasmin levels are often **decreased** in Wilson's disease due to impaired copper incorporation into this protein [1]. - Low ceruloplasmin is a key laboratory finding, contrasting the assertion of this option.
Question 75: The most common cause of pontine hemorrhage is
- A. Hypertension (Correct Answer)
- B. Diabetes
- C. Trauma
- D. Aneurysmal rupture
Explanation: Hypertension - **Chronic hypertension** leads to the weakening and rupture of small perforating arteries in the pons, making it the most common cause of **pontine hemorrhage** [1]. - The elevated pressure damages the **endothelium** and smooth muscle layers of these vessels, predisposing them to bleeding. *Diabetes* - While diabetes can cause microvascular complications, it is not considered the most common cause of **pontine hemorrhage**. - Its primary cerebral vascular complications include increased risk of **ischemic stroke** rather than hemorrhagic stroke in the pons. *Trauma* - **Traumatic brain injury** can cause various types of intracranial hemorrhage, but isolated **pontine hemorrhage** directly due to trauma is less common than that due to hypertension [1]. - Trauma typically results in contusions, subdural, or epidural hematomas, often in superficial brain regions. *Aneurysmal rupture* - **Aneurysmal rupture** is a common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage, particularly from the Circle of Willis, but pontine hemorrhages are rarely caused by aneurysms within the pons itself [1]. - The vessels supplying the pons are typically small and perforating, not commonly forming dissecting or saccular aneurysms.
Question 76: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a syndrome characterized by which of the following?
- A. Thrombocytopenia, anemia, neurological abnormalities, progressive renal failure and fever (Correct Answer)
- B. Thrombocytopenia, anemia, neurological abnormalities, progressive hepatic failure and fever
- C. Thrombocytopenia, normal anemia, neurological abnormalities, progressive renal failure and fever
- D. Thrombocytopenia, anemia, no neurological abnormalities, progressive renal failure and fever
Explanation: ***Thrombocytopenia, anemia, neurological abnormalities, progressive renal failure and fever*** - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is characterized by **thrombocytopenia** and **microangiopathic hemolytic anemia**, along with neurological and renal complications [1][2]. - The presence of **fever** and other systemic symptoms is consistent with this **thrombotic microangiopathy** syndrome [1]. *Thrombocytosis, anemia, neurologic abnormalities, progressive renal failure and fever* - This option incorrectly lists **thrombocytosis** rather than **thrombocytopenia**, which is a hallmark of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) [1]. - While it includes anemia, the absence of thrombocytopenia makes it inconsistent with TTP's classic presentation [2]. *Thrombocytopenia, anemia, neurologic abnormalities, progressive hepatic failure and fever* - Although it correctly states **thrombocytopenia** and **anemia**, it incorrectly identifies **progressive hepatic failure** instead of **renal failure**, which is a key feature of TTP [1]. - The presence of neurological abnormalities and fever does align with TTP; however, the hepatic failure aspect is misleading. *Thrombocytosis, anemia neurologic abnormalities, progressive renal failure and fever* - Again, this option incorrectly notes **thrombocytosis**, contradicting the characteristic finding of **thrombocytopenia** found in TTP [1]. - While other features align with TTP's clinical picture, the thrombocytosis excludes this option from being correct [2]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, pp. 947-948. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Red Blood Cell and Bleeding Disorders, pp. 667-668.
Question 77: Primary hyperparathyroidism is suggested by all of the following, except which of the following?
- A. Increased serum calcium
- B. Low urinary calcium levels (Correct Answer)
- C. Increased urinary calcium
- D. Decreased PTH levels
Explanation: ***Low urinary calcium*** - In primary hyperparathyroidism, **urinary calcium levels are typically elevated** due to increased calcium reabsorption in the kidneys [2]. - **Low urinary calcium levels** would suggest a different condition, such as **hypoparathyroidism** or a renal issue affecting calcium excretion [5]. *Increased PTH* - Primary hyperparathyroidism is characterized by **elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH)** levels, as the parathyroid glands are overactive [1][3]. - High PTH contributes to increased serum calcium and bone resorption [2]. *Increased serum calcium* - A hallmark of primary hyperparathyroidism is **hypercalcemia**, resulting from increased bone resorption and renal tubular reabsorption of calcium [1][2]. - The condition often leads to symptoms such as **kidney stones** and **bone pain** due to elevated serum calcium levels [3][4]. *Increased C-AMP* - Elevated levels of **cyclic AMP (C-AMP)** in urine are observed in primary hyperparathyroidism due to the stimulatory effect of PTH on renal tubular reabsorption of calcium. - Increased C-AMP correlates with the action of PTH in promoting calcium release from the bones [2].
Question 78: Which of the following is not a feature of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
- A. Recurrent abortion
- B. Sterility (Correct Answer)
- C. Psychosis
- D. Coomb's positive hemolytic anemia
Explanation: ***Sterility*** - While SLE can affect fertility due to **gonadal dysfunction** or **treatment-related factors**, it is not a *direct* or *defining feature* of the disease itself. - Sterility is a less common manifestation compared to the widespread organ system involvement that characterizes SLE [2]. *Recurrent abortion* - **Recurrent abortions** are a well-recognized complication in SLE, particularly when associated with **antiphospholipid syndrome**, which frequently co-occurs with SLE [1]. - **Antiphospholipid antibodies** can lead to thrombosis in placental vessels, causing fetal loss. *Psychosis* - **Psychosis** is a significant neuropsychiatric manifestation of SLE, classified under **neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE)**. - It can result from **inflammation**, **autoantibody effects**, or **ischemia** within the central nervous system. *Coomb's positive hemolytic anemia* - **Coomb's positive hemolytic anemia** is a common hematological complication in SLE, indicating the presence of **autoantibodies** against red blood cells [3]. - This **autoimmune destruction** of red blood cells leads to anemia, and a positive direct Coombs test confirms antibody sensitization [3].
Question 79: Antibodies most commonly seen in drug induced lupus are:
- A. Anti ds DNA Antibodies
- B. Anti Sm Antibodies
- C. Anti-Ro Antibodies
- D. Antihistone Antibodies (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Antihistone Antibodies*** - **Antihistone antibodies** are the most common laboratory finding, present in 95% of patients with **drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DIL)**. - This type of lupus is often triggered by medications such as **procainamide**, **hydralazine**, and **isoniazid**. *Anti ds DNA Antibodies* - **Anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies** are highly specific for **systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)**, particularly severe cases, but are rarely seen in DIL. - High titers of anti-dsDNA often correlate with **lupus nephritis** and disease activity. *Anti Sm Antibodies* - **Anti-Sm antibodies** are highly specific for **SLE**, sometimes associated with neuropsychiatric manifestations, but are rarely identified in drug-induced lupus. - Their presence helps to confirm the diagnosis of SLE but not DIL. *Anti-Ro Antibodies* - **Anti-Ro (SSA) antibodies** are most commonly associated with **Sjögren's syndrome** and **neonatal lupus**, and can be seen in a subset of SLE patients, especially those with photosensitivity. - While they can be present in some forms of SLE, they are not the hallmark autoantibody for drug-induced lupus.
Question 80: Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Crohn's disease?
- A. Sinus & fistula (Correct Answer)
- B. Mesenteric lymphadenitis
- C. Continuous involvement
- D. Crypt abscesses
Explanation: ***Sinus & fistula*** - **Transmural inflammation**, a hallmark of Crohn's disease, can extend through the bowel wall, leading to the formation of **sinus tracts** and **fistulae** (abnormal connections between organs or to the skin). [1] - These complications include enteroenteric, enterovesical, and perianal fistulae, which are highly characteristic of Crohn's. [1] *Continuous involvement* - Crohn's disease is characterized by **skip lesions**, meaning there are healthy segments of bowel interspersed with diseased segments, not continuous involvement. [1] - **Ulcerative colitis** typically presents with continuous inflammation, starting from the rectum and extending proximally. [1] *Mesenteric lymphadenitis* - While mesenteric lymph nodes can be involved in Crohn's disease due to inflammation, **mesenteric lymphadenitis** is more commonly associated with infectious etiologies or other inflammatory conditions, and not a primary defining characteristic. - It refers to inflammation of lymph nodes in the mesentery, which can cause abdominal pain but does not specifically differentiate Crohn's from other conditions. *Crypt abscesses* - **Crypt abscesses** are a characteristic histological feature of **ulcerative colitis**, where neutrophils infiltrate the glandular crypts. [1] - While they can occasionally be seen in Crohn's, they are much more common and prominent in ulcerative colitis and are not a defining feature of Crohn's.