Cardiac Pathology Practice Questions

Q: Diagnostic feature in rheumatic heart disease is:

Aschoff's nodule. ***Aschoff's nodule*** - **Aschoff's nodules** are pathognomonic granulomatous lesions found in the myocardium of patients with **rheumatic fever** and **rheumatic heart disease** [1]. - They consist of a central area of fibrinoid necrosis surrounded by a cuff of inflammatory cells, including **Anitschkow cells** (caterpillar cells) which are specialized histiocytes [1]. *Adeno Carcinoma* - This is a type of **malignant tumor** that originates in glandular tissue in various organs like the lungs, colon, or breast. - It has no relevance to the inflammatory process of **rheumatic heart disease**. *Alveolar cell Carcinoma* - Also known as **lung adenocarcinoma** with lepidic growth, this is a subtype of lung cancer originating from alveolar epithelial cells. - It is a **neoplastic process** and is unrelated to cardiac inflammation caused by rheumatic fever. *MacCallum patch* - **MacCallum patches** are irregular, thickened endocardial lesions found in the left atrium in chronic **rheumatic heart disease**. - While associated with rheumatic heart disease, **Aschoff's nodules** are the definitive diagnostic histological feature in active inflammation. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Heart, pp. 566-567.

Q: What is the most common primary tumor of the heart?

Myxoma. ***Myxoma*** - **Myxomas** are the most **common benign primary cardiac tumors**, accounting for approximately 50% of all primary cardiac tumors [1]. - They typically arise in the **atria**, most often the **left atrium**, and can cause symptoms due to obstruction or embolization [1], [2]. *Leiomyosarcoma* - **Leiomyosarcomas** are malignant tumors of **smooth muscle origin** and are rare in the heart. - While they can occur in the great vessels, they are not the most common primary cardiac tumor. *Rhabdomyosarcoma* - **Rhabdomyosarcomas** are highly aggressive **malignant tumors of skeletal muscle origin** that can rarely affect the heart. - They are one of the most common primary malignant cardiac tumors but are less frequent than benign myxomas overall. *Fibroma* - **Fibromas** are **benign mesenchymal tumors** of the heart, commonly found in children. - Although benign, they are far less common than myxomas. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Cardiovascular Disease, pp. 304-306. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Heart, pp. 583-584.

Q: Most common malignant tumor of heart in children is-

Rhabdomyosarcoma. ***Rhabdomyosarcoma*** - This is the **most common malignant tumor of the heart in children**, though primary cardiac tumors themselves are rare [1]. - It arises from **striated muscle cells** and can be found in various locations, including the heart [1]. *Angiosarcoma* - While a **malignant cardiac tumor**, angiosarcoma is more common in **adults** and is the most common primary malignant tumor of the heart in adults. - It arises from the cells lining **blood vessels**. *Lipoma* - A lipoma is a **benign tumor** composed of mature fat cells, and it is not a malignant tumor [1]. - Although it can occur in the heart, it is not the most common **malignant** cardiac tumor in children. *Rhabdomyoma (benign tumor)* - Rhabdomyoma is the **most common primary cardiac tumor in children**, but it is a **benign** tumor, not malignant [2]. - It is frequently associated with **tuberous sclerosis**. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Bones, Joints, and Soft Tissue Tumors, pp. 1222-1225. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Cardiovascular Disease, pp. 304-306.

Q: Large, irregular and friable vegetations are seen in?

Infective endocarditis. ***Infective endocarditis*** - **Large, irregular, and friable vegetations** are characteristic of infective endocarditis, formed by a mesh of **platelets, fibrin, microorganisms**, and inflammatory cells [1]. - These vegetations can lead to serious complications such as **embolization** and destruction of heart valves [2]. *Rheumatic heart disease* - Characterized by **small, warty vegetations** that are typically located on the lines of closure of the heart valves, not large and friable [1]. - These vegetations are sterile and result from inflammation and fibrin deposition, usually not involving active microbial infection. *Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE)* - Features **small, sterile vegetations** composed of fibrin and platelets, often found on previously undamaged valves [1]. - These vegetations are typically **firm** and non-inflammatory, distinct from the friable and infected vegetations of infective endocarditis. *Libman-sacks endocarditis* - Manifests as **sterile, verrucous vegetations** that can occur on either side of the valve leaflets (aortic or mitral) in patients with **systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)** [1]. - While they can be large, they are usually not described as friable in the same manner as infective endocarditis and are sterile. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Heart, p. 568. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Cardiovascular Disease, pp. 295-296.

Q: McCallum patches/plaques are usually seen in which chamber of the heart?

Left atrium. Left atrium - **McCallum patches** are typically found in the **left atrium**, predominantly on the left atrial endocardium [1]. - They are associated with the regurgitant jet of **rheumatic mitral valve disease**, leading to endocardial thickening and fibrosis [1]. Right atrium - While rheumatic heart disease can affect the right side of the heart, particularly the tricuspid valve, **McCallum patches have a specific association with the left atrium** due to mitral valve involvement [1]. - Endocardial changes in the right atrium are less commonly described as McCallum patches. Left ventricle - The left ventricle is primarily a pumping chamber; while it can undergo hypertrophy or dilation in rheumatic heart disease, **McCallum patches are specific endocardial lesions of the atrium** [1]. - **Jet lesions** can occur in the ventricle due to aortic regurgitation, but these are distinct from atrial McCallum patches. Right ventricle - The right ventricle is also a pumping chamber, and endocardial changes here are not typically referred to as McCallum patches. - Rheumatic involvement of the tricuspid valve can cause right heart strain, but **McCallum patches are characteristic of left atrial involvement** [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Heart, p. 566.

Q: Which chamber of the heart is enlarged first in a patient with McCallum patch?

Left atrium. ***Left atrium*** - A **McCallum patch** is a thickened, often irregular endocardial lesion found in the **left atrium**. - It results from the jet lesion of **mitral regurgitation**, indicating the left atrium has been subjected to increased volume and pressure leading to enlargement [1]. *Left ventricle* - While **mitral regurgitation** can eventually lead to **left ventricular enlargement** (due to volume overload), the primary chamber affected by the regurgitant jet causing the McCallum patch is the left atrium. - Left ventricular enlargement is a later consequence, not the first chamber to show this specific lesion. *Right atrium* - The **right atrium** is affected by conditions like **tricuspid regurgitation** or **pulmonary hypertension**, which are unrelated to mitral valve disease or McCallum patches. - It handles systemic venous return, separate from the left-sided circulation involved in mitral pathology. *Right ventricle* - The **right ventricle** is primarily impacted by conditions affecting the **pulmonary circulation** or **tricuspid valve**. - It fills from the right atrium and pumps blood to the lungs, making it unlikely to be the first chamber enlarged in the context of a McCallum patch from mitral regurgitation. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, pp. 533-534.

Q: Characteristic feature of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is:

Asymmetric septal hypertrophy. ***Asymmetric septal hypertrophy*** - This is the hallmark feature of **hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM)**, where the **interventricular septum** thickens disproportionately more than the free wall of the left ventricle [1], [2]. - This septal thickening can lead to **left ventricular outflow tract obstruction**, particularly during systole, obstructing blood flow out of the heart [1]. *Increased size of ventricle* - While the left ventricle may appear enlarged in some dimensions due to hypertrophy, the primary characteristic is specifically **asymmetric thickening of the septum**, not a generalized increase in ventricular size [2]. - In other forms of cardiomyopathy, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, a global increase in ventricular size is observed, which is distinct from HOCM. *Normal myofiber arrangement* - A characteristic microscopic feature of HOCM is **myocardial disarray**, where cardiac muscle fibers are abnormally arranged instead of their usual parallel alignment [1]. - This disorganized arrangement contributes to the impaired function and electrical instability seen in HOCM. *Increased size of atria* - While **left atrial enlargement** can be a secondary finding in HOCM due to increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and impaired diastolic filling, it is not the primary or characteristic feature defining the condition [1]. - The fundamental pathology of HOCM lies in the specific hypertrophy of the ventricular myocardium, particularly the septum. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Heart, pp. 577-578. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Cardiovascular Disease, pp. 303-304.

Q: Microscopic examination of the reperfused myocardium is likely to have which of the following findings?

Contraction band necrosis. ***Contraction band necrosis*** - This lesion is characteristic of **reperfusion injury**, resulting from the reintroduction of **calcium** into ischemic cells, causing hypercontraction of sarcomeres [1]. - The bands represent irreversibly contracted sarcomeres and are a hallmark of cell death in the setting of restored blood flow [1]. *Neutrophilic infiltration* - While present in myocardial infarction, **neutrophilic infiltration** primarily begins hours after injury and is part of the inflammatory response to necrotic tissue, not a specific marker of reperfusion itself [2]. - It's a general feature of **acute inflammation** and necrosis but doesn't specifically distinguish reperfused myocardium from non-reperfused ischemic injury in the acute phase [2]. *Waviness of fibres* - **Waviness of fibers** is an early microscopic change in **ischemic myocardium**; it's due to the stretching of dead or dying muscle fibers adjacent to healthy, contracting fibers [2]. - This finding is typically seen within the first few hours of ischemia, before significant reperfusion injury is evident. *Cardiac myocyte swelling* - **Cardiac myocyte swelling** (cellular edema) is an early and non-specific sign of **ischemic injury** due to the failure of ion pumps, leading to intracellular accumulation of water [2]. - While present in ischemia, it's not a unique characteristic of reperfusion injury; reperfusion leads to more specific changes like contraction band necrosis [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Heart, pp. 554-556. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Heart, p. 552.

Q: A patient presents with chest pain and a pericardial effusion. Histology reveals malignant mesothelial cells. Which risk factor is most strongly associated with malignant mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure. ***Asbestos exposure*** - Asbestos exposure is the most significant risk factor associated with **malignant mesothelioma**, particularly affecting the pleura and pericardium [1]. - This malignancy often presents with **pericardial effusion** and pleuritic chest pain, aligning with the patient's symptoms. - Mesothelioma is exceptionally rare in the absence of asbestos exposure [1]. *Silica dust exposure* - While silica exposure is a risk factor for lung diseases, particularly **silicosis** and **lung cancer**, it is not strongly linked to mesothelioma. - Mesothelioma is predominantly associated with **asbestos**, not silica [1]. *Tobacco smoke* - Tobacco smoke is primarily linked to **lung cancer** and respiratory diseases, but does not have a significant correlation with **mesothelioma**. - Mesothelioma can occur in non-smokers, indicating a separation from tobacco exposure. *Alcohol consumption* - Alcohol consumption is linked to various health conditions but is not recognized as a risk factor for **mesothelioma**. - The disease's association is predominantly with **asbestos exposure**, not lifestyle factors like alcohol use [1].

Q: A 5-year-old child presents with fever, fatigue, and left ventricular dysfunction. An endomyocardial biopsy shows extensive lymphocytic infiltration. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Lymphocytic myocarditis. ***Lymphocytic myocarditis*** - The combination of **fever**, **fatigue**, **left ventricular dysfunction**, and **extensive lymphocytic infiltration** on endomyocardial biopsy is highly characteristic of lymphocytic myocarditis. - This condition is often **viral in origin** and can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure in children. *Acute rheumatic fever* - While it can cause **carditis**, its characteristic lesion on biopsy is the **Aschoff body**, not extensive lymphocytic infiltration. - Diagnosis typically involves meeting **Jones criteria**, including evidence of recent streptococcal infection. *Chagas disease* - Caused by **Trypanosoma cruzi**, it presents with distinctive parasitic inclusions along with inflammation on biopsy, predominantly in endemic regions. - It usually has a **prolonged chronic phase** with cardiomyopathy, which is less common in this acute presentation in a young child. *Pyogenic myocarditis* - Characterized by **neutrophilic predominance** and potentially abscess formation in the myocardium due to bacterial infection. - The biopsy demonstrating **lymphocytic infiltration** explicitly rules out a pyogenic cause.

Question 1

Diagnostic feature in rheumatic heart disease is:

Accepted Answer

Aschoff's nodule

Answer

Adeno Carcinoma

Answer

Alveolar cell Carcinoma

Answer

MacCallum patch

Question 2

What is the most common primary tumor of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Myxoma

Answer

Leiomyosarcoma

Answer

Rhabdomyosarcoma

Answer

Fibroma

Question 3

Most common malignant tumor of heart in children is-

Accepted Answer

Rhabdomyosarcoma

Answer

Angiosarcoma

Answer

Lipoma

Answer

Rhabdomyoma (benign tumor)

Question 4

Large, irregular and friable vegetations are seen in?

Accepted Answer

Infective endocarditis

Answer

Rheumatic heart disease

Answer

Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE)

Answer

Libman-sacks endocarditis

Question 5

McCallum patches/plaques are usually seen in which chamber of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Left atrium

Answer

Right atrium

Answer

Left ventricle

Answer

Right ventricle

Question 6

Which chamber of the heart is enlarged first in a patient with McCallum patch?

Accepted Answer

Left atrium

Answer

Left ventricle

Answer

Right atrium

Answer

Right ventricle

Question 7

Characteristic feature of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is:

Accepted Answer

Asymmetric septal hypertrophy

Answer

Increased size of ventricle

Answer

Normal myofiber arrangement

Answer

Increased size of atria

Question 8

Microscopic examination of the reperfused myocardium is likely to have which of the following findings?

Accepted Answer

Contraction band necrosis

Answer

Neutrophilic infiltration

Answer

Cardiac myocyte swelling

Answer

Waviness of fibers

Question 9

A patient presents with chest pain and a pericardial effusion. Histology reveals malignant mesothelial cells. Which risk factor is most strongly associated with malignant mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos exposure

Answer

Consumption of alcohol

Answer

Exposure to silica dust

Answer

Exposure to tobacco smoke

Question 10

A 5-year-old child presents with fever, fatigue, and left ventricular dysfunction. An endomyocardial biopsy shows extensive lymphocytic infiltration. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Lymphocytic myocarditis

Answer

Acute rheumatic fever

Answer

Chagas disease

Answer

Pyogenic myocarditis

Cardiac Pathology — MCQs

Cardiac Pathology — MCQs

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