Gastrointestinal Pathology Practice Questions

Q: Why does not every Helicobacter pylori infection lead to ulcers?

Majority of H. pylori infections are asymptomatic. The vast majority of H. pylori infections are asymptomatic or cause only mild gastritis, meaning the organism's presence alone is not sufficient to cause pathology [1]. Only a small percentage (around 10-20%) of individuals infected with Helicobacter pylori will develop a peptic ulcer or gastric malignancy [1]. The organism generally colonizes the gastric antrum, leading to chronic gastritis and potentially ulcers through increased gastrin and acid secretion; however, in most people, this subsequent hypergastrinaemia has no clinical consequences [1]. Host factors and environmental influences determine who develops ulcers, but the baseline state is generally non-ulcerative gastritis. While increased risk of peptic ulcer disease occurs when H. pylori is present with NSAIDs, these are cofactors that damage the mucosal barrier and do not explain the high rate of asymptomatic carriage in the general population.

Q: Most common cause of squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the tongue is:

HPV. ***HPV*** - **Human Papillomavirus**, particularly **HPV-16**, is the predominant etiological factor for **squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oropharynx**, which includes the base of the tongue [1]. - **HPV-positive SCC** has rapidly increased in incidence and constitutes the majority of these cancers in non-smokers and non-drinkers [1]. *EBV* - **Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)** is strongly associated with **Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)**, endemic Burkitt's lymphoma, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder [2]. - It is not considered the primary or most common oncogenic agent for **base of tongue SCC** [2]. *HCV* - **Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)** is the chief cause of viral **Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)** and is also linked to certain **B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas**. - There is no established role for HCV in the pathogenesis or high prevalence of **squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck**. *CMV* - **Cytomegalovirus (CMV)** is a herpesvirus typically associated with opportunistic infections (e.g., retinitis, colitis) in **immunocompromised patients**. - While studies have investigated its oncogenic potential, CMV is not a significant or common causative agent for **oral or pharyngeal SCC**. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 738-741. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Head and Neck, pp. 744-745.

Q: The following histological slide demonstrates:

Flask-shaped ulcer. ***Flask-shaped ulcer*** - The image depicts a **flask-shaped ulcer**, which is a characteristic pathological finding in **amoebic dysentery** caused by *Entamoeba histolytica* [1][2]. - These ulcers are formed as the amoebae invade the colonic mucosa, creating a narrow neck at the surface and a wider base in the submucosa [1]. *Pseudopolyps* - **Pseudopolyps** are typically seen in inflammatory bowel diseases like **ulcerative colitis**, resulting from regenerating mucosa surrounded by areas of ulceration [3]. - They are not characteristic of amoebic infections and do not present as deep, flask-shaped lesions. *Blunting of microvilli* - **Blunting of microvilli** is a feature of malabsorptive conditions, such as **celiac disease**, where the villi are damaged. - This finding is related to the absorptive surface of the small intestine and is not a typical macroscopic or microscopic feature of amoebic ulcers in the colon. *Whipple's disease* - **Whipple's disease** is a rare systemic infectious disease caused by the bacterium *Tropheryma whipplei*, primarily affecting the small intestine [4]. - Histologically, it is characterized by **foamy macrophages** in the lamina propria and is not associated with flask-shaped ulcers [4]. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Alimentary System Disease, pp. 364-365. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, pp. 801-802. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, p. 809. [4] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, pp. 798-799.

Q: A 23-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea of one week duration. The following colonoscopic biopsy is diagnostic of infection with:

Amoebiasis. ***Amoebiasis*** - **Amoebiasis** caused by *Entamoeba histolytica* is characterized by **bloody diarrhea** and **abdominal pain**, which are key clinical features in this case [1] [2]. - Colonoscopic biopsy in amoebiasis often shows **flask-shaped ulcers** and trophozoites of *Entamoeba histolytica* invading the colonic mucosa [1]. *Giardiasis* - **Giardiasis** typically presents with **non-bloody, watery diarrhea**, malabsorption, and flatulence, not bloody diarrhea. - It primarily affects the **small intestine** and is diagnosed by finding cysts or trophozoites in stool, not typically via colonoscopic biopsy for bloody diarrhea. *Enterobius* - **Enterobius vermicularis** (pinworm) infection primarily causes **perianal itching**, especially at night. - It does not typically cause **bloody diarrhea** or significant colonic inflammation visible on colonoscopic biopsy. *Severe bacterial infection* - While severe bacterial infections can cause **bloody diarrhea** (e.g., *Shigella*, *E. coli* O157:H7), the question implies a specific diagnostic finding from the colonoscopic biopsy that points to a parasitic infection. - The term "severe bacterial infection" is broad, and without specific bacterial findings or a characteristic pattern, it is less precise than a specific parasitic diagnosis suggested by the biopsy. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Alimentary System Disease, pp. 364-365. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, pp. 801-802.

Q: A 32-year-old woman with a history of multiple hamartomas scattered throughout the small intestine presents to a physician for follow-up. All are true about her diagnosis except?

Autosomal recessive. ***Autosomal recessive*** - Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is inherited in an **autosomal dominant** pattern, not autosomal recessive. This mode of inheritance means that only one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. - Approximately 50% of cases are caused by a new **STK11 gene mutation**, while the other 50% are inherited from an affected parent. *STK-11 gene mutation* - **Peutz-Jeghers syndrome** is caused by a germline mutation in the **STK11 (LKB1) gene**, which is a tumor suppressor gene. - This mutation leads to the development of hamartomatous polyps throughout the gastrointestinal tract and an increased risk of various cancers. *Polyps in jejunum* - The hamartomatous polyps in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, but they are most common in the **small intestine**, including the jejunum. - While they can also be found in the entire GI tract, they are notably present in the jejunum. *Morbidity due to intestinal obstruction* - A common complication and source of morbidity in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is **intestinal obstruction**, often due to **intussusception** caused by the polyps. - Other gastrointestinal complications include bleeding and abdominal pain.

Q: A patient presents with a gingival lesion as shown in the image. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Fibrous epulis. ***Fibrous epulis*** - The image shows a **focal, exophytic, firm, nodular growth** on the gingiva, which is characteristic of a **fibrous epulis** [1]. These are common reactive lesions caused by **chronic irritation or trauma** [1]. - They are typically **pink, well-demarcated**, and may be pedunculated or sessile, composed primarily of **fibrous connective tissue** [1]. *Carcinoma alveolar margin* - Malignant lesions like **carcinoma** often present with irregular, ulcerated, fungating, or infiltrative borders, and may be associated with **bleeding, pain, or rapid growth** [4]. - While it can occur at the alveolar margin, the lesion in the image appears more organized and smooth-surfaced, which is less consistent with a typical malignant presentation. *Leukoplakia* - **Leukoplakia** is characterized by a **white patch or plaque** that cannot be rubbed off and is not diagnosable as any other disease [3]. - The lesion in the image is a clearly defined, **flesh-colored, nodular mass**, not a flat white patch. *Hyperplastic candidiasis* - **Hyperplastic candidiasis** typically presents as **persistent white plaques** that are adherent to the mucosa and may have a **nodular or granular appearance** [2]. - While it can be firm, the overall presentation in the image, particularly the color and distinct fibrous-like texture, is less suggestive of candidal infection. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 735-736. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 736-737. [3] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Alimentary System Disease, pp. 344-345. [4] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 739-741.

Q: A 60-year-old man with tobacco chewing history presents with trismus and ankyloglossia. The lesion is shown below. Diagnosis is? (NEET Pattern 2018)

Submucosal fibrosis. ***Submucosal fibrosis*** - **Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF)** is a chronic, progressive, precancerous condition of the oral cavity characterized by juxta-epithelial fibrosis. It is strongly associated with **areca nut (betel nut) chewing**, often found in tobacco products [1]. - Clinical features include **trismus** (difficulty opening the mouth due to fibrosis of the oral tissues), burning sensation, and **ankyloglossia** (restricted tongue movement) due to fibrosis of the lingual frenum. *Erythroplakia* - **Erythroplakia** is a red patch or lesion in the oral cavity that cannot be characterized clinically or pathologically as any other definable disease. - It is considered a highly dysplastic or **premalignant lesion**, but its primary presentation is a red, velvety patch, not primarily trismus or ankyloglossia. *Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis* - **Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis** (Candidal leukoplakia) is a persistent white lesion that cannot be removed by scraping, caused by chronic *Candida albicans* infection [2]. - While it is a precancerous condition, its main clinical feature is a **white patch** or plaque, and it does not typically cause severe trismus or ankyloglossia as primary symptoms. *Jaffe's tumor* - **Jaffe's tumor** is an outdated term for **fibrous dysplasia**, a bone disorder where normal bone is replaced by fibrous tissue and immature woven bone. - It primarily affects bones, and while it can occur in the jaw, it does not present with the classic oral mucosal symptoms of trismus and ankyloglossia associated with tobacco chewing. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Alimentary System Disease, pp. 344-345. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 736-737.

Q: Identify the types of gastric ulcers labeled A and B in the image below.

A=Benign gastric ulcer, B=Malignant gastric ulcer. ***A=Benign gastric ulcer, B=Malignant gastric ulcer*** - Image A shows a **punched-out**, **clean-based ulcer** with radiating folds, characteristic features of a **benign gastric ulcer**. - Image B depicts an **irregular**, **raised-edge ulcer** with a necrotic base, which is typical of a **malignant gastric ulcer** [1]. *A=Malignant gastric ulcer, B=Benign gastric ulcer* - Image A's features (smooth, punched-out) are inconsistent with a **malignant ulcer**, which is typically irregular and raised [1]. - Image B's features (irregular, raised, necrotic) are not consistent with a **benign ulcer**, which is usually clean and well-demarcated. *A=Leiomyoma, B=Malignant gastric ulcer* - A **leiomyoma** is a submucosal tumor, usually presenting as a smooth, firm mass, not an ulcerated lesion like in Image A. - Image B is consistent with a **malignant gastric ulcer** [1], but Image A is not a leiomyoma. *A=Chronic hyperplastic gastritis, B=Malignant gastric ulcer* - **Chronic hyperplastic gastritis** involves thickened gastric folds and inflammation, not a discrete ulceration as seen in Image A. - While Image B is consistent with a **malignant gastric ulcer** [1], Image A does not represent chronic hyperplastic gastritis. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, p. 779.

Q: One-year-old child with failure to thrive and diarrhea. On examination anemia and puffy eyes are noted. Intestinal biopsy was performed. All are true about the condition shown except:

Crypt abscess. ***Crypt abscess*** - The image and clinical presentation are classic for **celiac disease**, which involves **villous atrophy** and chronic inflammation of the small intestine. Crypt abscesses are characteristic of **inflammatory bowel disease** (e.g., ulcerative colitis), not celiac disease. - The biopsy shows **flattening of villi** and increased inflammatory cells in the lamina propria but no evidence of crypt abscess formation. *Associated with diabetes mellitus type 1* - **Celiac disease** is frequently associated with other autoimmune conditions, including **Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus**. - Both conditions share common genetic predispositions (e.g., HLA-DQ2/DQ8). *Increased lymphocytes in lamina propria* - A hallmark histological feature of **celiac disease** is an increased number of **intraepithelial lymphocytes** and lymphocytes within the lamina propria. - This lymphocytic infiltration contributes to the immune-mediated damage to the small intestinal mucosa. *Anti-epidermal tissue transglutaminase antibody is associated with dermatitis herpetiformis* - **Anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies**, particularly the IgA subclass, are highly specific and sensitive for **celiac disease**. - **Dermatitis herpetiformis**, a pruritic papulovesicular rash, is the **cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease** and is associated with IgA antibodies that cross-react with epidermal transglutaminase 3 (eTG3).

Question 1

Why does not every Helicobacter pylori infection lead to ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Majority of H. pylori infections are asymptomatic

Answer

H. pylori infects the antrum even in asymptomatic individuals

Answer

Disease associated with host factors and environmental influences

Answer

Increased risk of peptic ulcer disease when H. pylori is present with NSAIDs

Question 2

Most common cause of squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the tongue is:

Accepted Answer

HPV

Answer

EBV

Answer

HCV

Answer

CMV

Question 3

The following histological slide demonstrates:

Accepted Answer

Flask-shaped ulcer

Answer

Pseudopolyps

Answer

Blunting of microvilli

Answer

Whipple's disease

Question 4

A 23-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea of one week duration. The following colonoscopic biopsy is diagnostic of infection with:

Accepted Answer

Amoebiasis

Answer

Giardiasis

Answer

Enterobius

Answer

Severe bacterial infection

Question 5

A 32-year-old woman with a history of multiple hamartomas scattered throughout the small intestine presents to a physician for follow-up. All are true about her diagnosis except?

Accepted Answer

Autosomal recessive

Answer

STK-11 gene mutation

Answer

Polyps in jejunum

Answer

Morbidity due to intestinal obstruction

Question 6

A patient presents with a gingival lesion as shown in the image. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Fibrous epulis

Answer

Carcinoma alveolar margin

Answer

Leukoplakia

Answer

Hyperplastic candidiasis

Question 7

A 60-year-old man with tobacco chewing history presents with trismus and ankyloglossia. The lesion is shown below. Diagnosis is? (NEET Pattern 2018)

Accepted Answer

Submucosal fibrosis

Answer

Erythroplakia

Answer

Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis

Answer

Jaffe's tumor

Question 8

Which of the following is responsible for development of the disease, whose Barium swallow is shown below?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Damage to myenteric plexus

Answer

Damage to meissner plexus

Answer

Damage to Auerbach plexus

Question 9

Identify the types of gastric ulcers labeled A and B in the image below.

Accepted Answer

A=Benign gastric ulcer, B=Malignant gastric ulcer

Answer

A=Malignant gastric ulcer, B=Benign gastric ulcer

Answer

A=Leiomyoma, B=Malignant gastric ulcer

Answer

A=Chronic hyperplastic gastritis, B=Malignant gastric ulcer

Question 10

One-year-old child with failure to thrive and diarrhea. On examination anemia and puffy eyes are noted. Intestinal biopsy was performed. All are true about the condition shown except:

Accepted Answer

Crypt abscess

Answer

Associated with diabetes mellitus type 1

Answer

Increased lymphocytes in lamina propria

Answer

Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody is associated with dermatitis herpetiformis

Gastrointestinal Pathology — MCQs

Gastrointestinal Pathology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?