Neuropathology Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is a common deformity associated with Chiari Malformation Type II?

Meningomyelocele. ***Meningomyelocele*** - **Chiari Malformation Type II** is almost always associated with a **meningomyelocele**, a severe form of spina bifida where the spinal cord and nerves protrude through an opening in the spine. - This neural tube defect is considered a hallmark of Chiari Malformation Type II and contributes to many of the associated neurological symptoms. *Syringomyelia* - While **syringomyelia** (a fluid-filled cyst within the spinal cord) can be a **complication** of Chiari Malformation Type I or Type II, it is not a direct anatomical deformity of the malformation itself but rather a secondary effect from altered CSF flow [1]. - It develops in a significant portion of patients but is not the primary associated birth defect defining Chiari Type II. *Hydrocephalus* - **Hydrocephalus** (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain) is a very **common complication** of Chiari Malformation Type II due to the obstruction of CSF flow at the level of the hindbrain [1]. - However, like syringomyelia, it is a secondary condition resulting from the primary anatomical malformation (downward displacement of cerebellar tonsils and brainstem) and the associated meningomyelocele, not the core deformity itself. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **meningomyelocele** is a direct and defining deformity strongly associated with Chiari Malformation Type II. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 718-719.

Q: Most common CNS tumor associated with NF1

Optic glioma. ***Optic glioma*** - **Optic gliomas** (specifically **pilocytic astrocytomas**) are the most common CNS tumor found in association with **Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)** [1]. - These tumors typically affect the **optic nerve** and can cause vision impairment. *Optic nerve schwannoma* - **Schwannomas** are tumors arising from Schwann cells, and while they can affect cranial nerves, an **optic nerve schwannoma** is very rare and not characteristic of NF1. - The most common schwannoma associated with neurofibromatosis is a **vestibular schwannoma** (acoustic neuroma) in NF2, not NF1 [2]. *Astrocytoma* - While optic gliomas are a type of astrocytoma, simply stating "astrocytoma" is too broad; the specific location (optic nerve) and type (pilocytic) are key in NF1 [1]. - Other types of astrocytomas (e.g., glioblastoma) are not typically associated with NF1 as the *most common* CNS tumor. *Bilateral acoustic neuroma* - **Bilateral acoustic neuromas** (vestibular schwannomas) are the hallmark CNS tumor of **Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)**, not NF1 [2]. - This symptom strongly points to NF2, a distinct genetic disorder from NF1 [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1319-1320. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 727-728.

Q: Perivascular lymphocytes & microglial nodules are seen in -

HIV encephalitis. ***HIV encephalitis*** - **Perivascular lymphocytes** and **microglial nodules** are the characteristic histopathological hallmarks of **HIV encephalitis (HIV-associated dementia complex)** [1][2]. - Microglial nodules are formed by activated microglia and macrophages, often accompanied by **multinucleated giant cells** (the classic triad) [2]. - These features reflect chronic CNS inflammation and neuronal damage caused by HIV infection. *CMV meningitis* - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompromised patients causes meningoencephalitis with characteristic **intranuclear ("owl's eye") inclusion bodies** and necrotizing inflammation. - The histological pattern differs from the microglial nodules and perivascular lymphocytes seen in HIV encephalitis. *Bacterial meningitis* - Characterized by prominent **neutrophilic infiltrate** in the subarachnoid space, fibrinopurulent exudate, and potential vasculitis. - Acute bacterial meningitis does not show the lymphocytic and microglial nodular pattern characteristic of viral encephalitis. *Multiple sclerosis* - An autoimmune demyelinating disease with **perivenular demyelinating plaques** containing lymphocytes and macrophages. - While perivascular inflammation occurs, **microglial nodules** are not a characteristic feature; instead, MS shows demyelination with reactive gliosis. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, p. 1278. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 711-712.

Q: Most common site for medulloblastoma is-

Cerebellum. ***Cerebellum*** - **Medulloblastoma** is a highly malignant primary brain tumor that characteristically arises in the **cerebellum** [1]. - It is the most common malignant brain tumor in children, typically originating from the **roof of the fourth ventricle**. *Pituitary* - The **pituitary gland** is mostly associated with **adenomas**, which are benign tumors arising from anterior pituitary cells. - Tumors like **craniopharyngiomas** can also be found in the sellar region, but medulloblastomas do not originate here. *Cerebrum* - The **cerebrum** is the most common site for **gliomas** (e.g., glioblastoma multiforme) and metastatic tumors in adults. - Medulloblastoma specifically originates from primitive neuroectodermal cells in the posterior fossa [1]. *Pineal gland* - The **pineal gland** is associated with **pinealomas** (e.g., pineoblastoma, pineocytoma) and **germinomas** [2]. - These are distinct from medulloblastomas in their cellular origin and typical anatomical location.

Q: Which condition is characterized by spongiform degeneration of the cerebral cortex?

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. ***Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease*** - This is a **prion disease** characterized by rapid cognitive decline, myoclonus, and distinctive EEG changes, with **spongiform degeneration of the cerebral cortex** as the hallmark neuropathological feature [1]. - The spongiform changes are due to intracellular vacuoles within neurons and astrocytes, giving the brain tissue a **spongy appearance** [2]. - CJD shows **widespread cortical involvement**, making it the classic answer for cortical spongiform degeneration [2]. *Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis* - This condition is a rare, **chronic, progressive encephalitis** caused by persistent measles virus infection. - It is characterized by widespread **demyelination, gliosis, and intranuclear inclusion bodies**, but not spongiform degeneration. *Fatal familial insomnia* - This is another **prion disease** that also exhibits spongiform degeneration, but the key difference is **anatomical distribution** [2]. - FFI primarily affects the **thalamus** (a subcortical structure) and causes severe insomnia, dysautonomia, and motor signs [2]. - While spongiform changes occur in FFI, they are most prominent in the **thalamus rather than the cerebral cortex**, making CJD the better answer for cortical spongiform degeneration [2]. *Cerebral toxoplasmosis* - This is an **opportunistic infection of the brain** caused by **_Toxoplasma gondii_**, primarily seen in immunocompromised individuals. - It typically results in the formation of **abscesses or ring-enhancing lesions**, rather than spongiform degeneration. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 712-713. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1284-1286.

Q: What is the histological appearance of the brain in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?

Neuronal loss with spongiform change. ***Neuronal loss with spongiform change*** - This is the **most complete and accurate** description of CJD histology under light microscopy - The classic histological **triad** of CJD includes: (1) **spongiform vacuolation** (numerous small vacuoles in neuropil and neuronal cytoplasm), (2) **neuronal loss**, and (3) **astrocytic gliosis** [1] - This option captures the two most characteristic microscopic features that together define the disease - Spongiform change refers to the sponge-like appearance due to vacuoles, while neuronal loss with gliosis represents the degenerative process [1] *Spongiform change in brain* - While spongiform change is indeed the **hallmark feature** of CJD, this option is incomplete [1] - Describing only spongiform change without mentioning neuronal loss misses a critical component of the histological picture - In pathology, the most complete accurate description is preferred when available *Neuronal loss with gliosis* - These features are present in CJD but are **non-specific** findings - Neuronal loss and gliosis occur in many neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc.) - Without mentioning spongiform change, this description lacks the defining characteristic of prion diseases [1] *Prion protein accumulation* - PrPSc accumulation is the **underlying cause** of the pathology, not a description of routine histological appearance - Prion proteins require **special immunohistochemical staining** (anti-PrP antibodies) for visualization [1] - Under standard H&E staining, prion deposits are not the primary visible feature; the **spongiform degeneration** is what pathologists observe [1] **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1284-1286.

Q: Which of the following tumors is not derived from the meninges?

Hemangioblastoma. ***Hemangioblastoma*** - This tumor is derived from **vascular endothelial cells and stromal cells**, not meningeal cells [1] - Typically found in the **cerebellum** and strongly associated with **von Hippel-Lindau disease** [1] - Has **no meningeal origin** and represents a distinct vascular neoplasm *Meningioma* - Derived from **arachnoidal cap cells** of the meninges [2] - Most common **benign primary intracranial tumor** arising from meningeal coverings [2] - Clearly of **meningeal origin** [3] *Schwannoma* - Originates from **Schwann cells** of peripheral nerve sheaths (neural crest origin) [4] - While not meningeal in origin, it commonly occurs **intracranially** affecting cranial nerves (especially CN VIII) [2] - Though also not meningeal, **hemangioblastoma is the better answer** as it's purely parenchymal/vascular, whereas schwannomas can have anatomic association with meninges [4] *Hemangiopericytoma* - Now classified as **solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma** (WHO classification) - Arises from **meningeal pericytes** around blood vessels in the meninges - Despite mesenchymal origin, it is considered part of the **meningeal tumor spectrum** and has meningeal associations **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 726-727. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 727-728. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1316-1317. [4] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Peripheral Nerves and Skeletal Muscles, pp. 1248-1249.

Q: An elderly patient dies with chronic dementia. At autopsy, the brain shows diffuse cortical atrophy with relative sparing of primary motor and sensory areas. Which of the following would most likely be a prominent feature on microscopic examination of her brain tissue?

Neurofibrillary tangles. ***Neurofibrillary tangles*** - Commonly associated with **Alzheimer's disease**, which can present with **chronic dementia** and shows cortical atrophy upon autopsy [1][2]. - The presence of **neurofibrillary tangles** is a hallmark feature in Alzheimer's, with relative sparing of areas like primary motor and sensory cortices [1][3]. - The number of neurofibrillary tangles correlates better with the degree of dementia than does the number of neuritic plaques [1]. *Gliosis of the caudate nucleus* - More characteristic of **Huntington's disease**, often presenting with **atrophy of the striatum** rather than cortical atrophy. - While gliosis can be present, it's not a prominent feature associated with diffuse cortical atrophy typical of Alzheimer's. *Lewy bodies* - These are typically found in **Lewy body dementia**, which presents differently and often includes **visual hallucinations** and fluctuating cognition. - This finding does not align with the chronic dementia and cortical atrophy described in the question. *Central chromatolysis* - This refers to changes seen typically in **neuronal injury**, not specifically related to chronic dementia or cortical atrophy. - It indicates a cellular response to injury, rather than the **neurodegenerative changes** noted in Alzheimer's disease. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1292-1293. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 720-721. [3] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 721-722.

Question 1

Which of the following is a common deformity associated with Chiari Malformation Type II?

Accepted Answer

Meningomyelocele

Answer

Syringomyelia

Answer

Hydrocephalus

Answer

None of the options

Question 2

What is a watershed infarct in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Occurs in the border zones between major arteries

Answer

Occurs in the areas supplied by only one artery

Answer

Occurs in the terminal portion of main arteries

Answer

Occurs only in areas with complete arterial occlusion

Question 3

Most common CNS tumor associated with NF1

Accepted Answer

Optic glioma

Answer

Astrocytoma

Answer

Bilateral acoustic neuroma

Answer

Optic nerve schwannoma

Question 4

What is the most common cerebellar tumor in children?

Accepted Answer

Medulloblastoma

Answer

Ependymoma

Answer

PNET

Answer

Astrocytoma

Question 5

Perivascular lymphocytes & microglial nodules are seen in -

Accepted Answer

HIV encephalitis

Answer

CMV meningitis

Answer

Bacterial meningitis

Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Question 6

Most common site for medulloblastoma is-

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Pituitary

Answer

Cerebrum

Answer

Pineal gland

Question 7

Which condition is characterized by spongiform degeneration of the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Answer

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Answer

Fatal familial insomnia

Answer

Cerebral toxoplasmosis

Question 8

What is the histological appearance of the brain in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?

Accepted Answer

Neuronal loss with spongiform change

Answer

Neuronal loss with gliosis

Answer

Spongiform change in brain

Answer

Prion protein accumulation

Question 9

Which of the following tumors is not derived from the meninges?

Accepted Answer

Hemangioblastoma

Answer

Meningioma

Answer

Hemangiopericytoma

Answer

Schwannoma

Question 10

An elderly patient dies with chronic dementia. At autopsy, the brain shows diffuse cortical atrophy with relative sparing of primary motor and sensory areas. Which of the following would most likely be a prominent feature on microscopic examination of her brain tissue?

Accepted Answer

Neurofibrillary tangles

Answer

Central chromatolysis

Answer

Lewy bodies

Answer

Gliosis of the caudate nucleus

Neuropathology — MCQs

Neuropathology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?