Vascular Pathology Practice Questions

Q: In a kidney specimen, fibrinoid necrosis and an onion peel appearance are observed. The most probable pathology is:

Hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis. ***Hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis*** [1][2] - Characterized by **fibrinoid necrosis** of the vessel walls and an **onion peel appearance** indicating concentric lamination [1][2]. - Commonly associated with **malignant hypertension** [2][3], leading to significant renal damage. *Hyaline degeneration* - Typically features **homogeneous glassy appearance** but does not involve **onion peel appearance**. - More often a response to **chronic injury** rather than the acute vascular changes seen here. *Fibrillary glomerulonephritis* - Involves deposition of **fibrillary structures** in the glomeruli, not in the arterioles. - Lacks the characteristic **fibrinoid necrosis** and onion skinning seen in arterioles in this case. *Glomerulosclerosis* - Generally refers to **scarring of glomeruli** and does not specifically indicate vascular changes like **onion peel appearance**. - Focuses more on glomerular rather than arteriolar pathology. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, p. 945. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, pp. 498-499. [3] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Cardiovascular Disease, pp. 276-277.

Q: Granuloma is a pathological feature of all, except which of the following?

Microscopic polyangiitis. ***Microscopic polyangitis*** - This condition is associated with **necrotizing vasculitis** without significant **granulomatous inflammation** [1]. - Primarily affects small vessels and typically features **pauci-immune** glomerulonephritis [1]. *Giant cell arteritis* - Characterized by **granulomatous inflammation** in the temporal arteries, leading to headaches and vision loss [2]. - It often shows **multinucleated giant cells** in biopsy specimens, confirming the diagnosis [2]. *Churg strauss disease* - Also known as **Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis**, it features **granulomas** and affects small to medium vessels. - Typically presents with asthma, nasal polyps, and significant **eosinophilia**. *Wegner's granulomatosis* - Now referred to as **Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis**, it prominently features **necrotizing granulomas** in the respiratory tract and kidneys [3]. - Associated with **c-ANCA** (anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies), confirming its granulomatous nature [3]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, pp. 518-519. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, pp. 516-517. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, pp. 519-520.

Q: Which one is found in Henoch-Schönlein purpura?

IgA. ***IgA*** - **Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)** is an **IgA-mediated vasculitis**, meaning that **IgA immune complex deposition** is central to its pathology. - These IgA deposits are found in the walls of small blood vessels in affected organs, including the skin, gut, joints, and kidneys, leading to the characteristic symptoms. *IgM* - While IgM antibodies are involved in the **initial immune response** and can be found in some autoimmune conditions, they are **not the primary immunoglobulin** associated with HSP pathogenesis. - Conditions like **Waldenström macroglobulinemia** or some autoimmune hemolytic anemias are more typically linked to IgM involvement. *IgG* - IgG antibodies are the **most abundant immunoglobulins** in the body and are involved in many immune responses and autoimmune diseases, such as **systemic lupus erythematosus** or **rheumatoid arthritis**. - However, IgG is **not the defining immunoglobulin** for HSP. *IgE* - IgE antibodies are primarily associated with **allergic reactions** and **parasitic infections**. - Conditions like **asthma**, **anaphylaxis**, or **atopic dermatitis** involve IgE, not vasculitis like HSP.

Q: Which of the following statements about pyogenic granuloma is false?

Bacterial infection. ***Bacterial infection*** - Pyogenic granuloma is **not** caused by a bacterial infection; it is a **vascular lesion** that results from trauma or irritation. - The term "pyogenic" may suggest infection, but it actually refers to **pus-producing**, rather than being related to bacteria. *Bleeding* - Pyogenic granulomas are characterized by **easy bleeding** [1], especially when traumatized, due to their highly vascular nature. - They often appear as **red papules** or nodules that can bleed profusely. *Capillary hemangioma* - Pyogenic granulomas are often confused with **capillary hemangiomas**, but they are distinct entities; the former is more reactive. - Both have **vascular features**, but pyogenic granulomas arise typically in response to **injury** [1]. *Benign tumor* - Pyogenic granulomas are classified as **benign tumors** of the skin and mucous membranes. - They do not metastasize but can recur if not removed completely. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, pp. 524-525.

Q: Which of the following is the MOST SIGNIFICANT modifiable predisposing factor for arterial thrombosis?

Cigarette smoking. ***Cigarette smoking*** - **Cigarette smoking** is a major modifiable risk factor for **atherosclerosis** and arterial thrombosis, primarily by promoting endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and hypercoagulability. [1] - It damages the **endothelium**, leading to plaque formation and increasing the risk of **thrombotic events** such as myocardial infarction and stroke. [1] *Antiphospholipid syndrome* - This is an **autoimmune disorder** causing recurrent arterial and venous thromboses, but it is not a modifiable lifestyle factor. - While it dramatically increases thrombosis risk, therapeutic management focuses on anticoagulation rather than lifestyle modification. *Hyperlipidemia* - **Hyperlipidemia**, particularly elevated LDL cholesterol, is a significant risk factor for **atherosclerosis**, which can lead to thrombosis. [1] - However, while modifiable through diet and medication, its immediate thrombotic impact is often mediated through chronic plaque formation, whereas smoking has more direct prothrombotic effects on endothelium and platelet function. *Homocystinuria* - This is a rare, inherited **metabolic disorder** causing elevated homocysteine levels, leading to severe premature atherosclerosis and **thrombotic disease**. - It is a genetic condition and therefore not a modifiable risk factor in the same way as lifestyle choices.

Q: Which immunohistochemical marker is primarily associated with glomus tumors?

CD-34. ***CD-34*** (Marked answer, but controversial) - **IMPORTANT NOTE:** This association is **contested** in modern pathology literature. - Glomus tumors are derived from modified smooth muscle cells of the glomus body and typically show **smooth muscle actin (SMA)** and **vimentin positivity**. - **CD34** is an endothelial marker; while glomus tumors have prominent vascularity, the **neoplastic glomus cells themselves** are generally **CD34-negative**. - The correct positive markers are **SMA, vimentin, and caldesmon** - none of which are options here. - Among the given options, CD-34 may show positivity in the **vascular endothelium** within the tumor, but this does not represent the tumor cells. *CD-57* - **CD57** (HNK-1) is associated with neural differentiation, particularly in peripheral nerve sheath tumors like **schwannoma** or **neurofibroma**. - Glomus tumors lack neural differentiation and are **CD57-negative**. *Cytokeratin* - **Cytokeratin** is a marker for epithelial cells and carcinomas. - Glomus tumors are mesenchymal smooth muscle tumors and are **cytokeratin-negative**. *S-100* - **S-100** protein marks neural crest-derived cells, melanomas, and schwannomas. - Glomus tumors originate from modified smooth muscle cells, not neural crest, and are typically **S-100-negative** (though rare cases may show focal weak positivity).

Q: Granuloma is seen in all conditions except which one?

Microscopic polyangiitis. ***Microscopic polyangitis*** - This condition is characterized by **necrotizing vasculitis** without granuloma formation, primarily affecting small vessels [1]. - It typically presents with symptoms such as **glomerulonephritis** and systemic symptoms, distinct from granulomatous diseases. *Giant cell arteritis* - This condition presents with **giant cell formation** and can cause headaches and visual disturbances, featuring granulomatous inflammation [3]. - It predominantly affects older adults and involves the **temporal arteries**, leading to potential complications like blindness. *Churg-strauss disease* - Also known as **eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis**, this disease exhibits **granulomatous inflammation** along with asthma and eosinophilia. - It typically affects medium to small-sized vessels, leading to organ damage. *Wegner's granulomatosis* - Currently known as **granulomatosis with polyangiitis**, it features **granulomas in the respiratory tract** and affects the kidneys [2]. - Patients may show upper respiratory symptoms like sinusitis, alongside a potential for rapid kidney decline. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, pp. 518-519. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, pp. 519-520. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, pp. 516-517.

Q: All are seen in malignant hypertension except?

Hyaline arteriolosclerosis. ***Hyaline aeriolosclerosis*** - **Hyaline aeriolosclerosis** is more commonly associated with chronic hypertension rather than malignant hypertension [5], which is characterized by **severe, acute elevations** in blood pressure. - Malignant hypertension typically leads to **end-organ damage**, particularly in the kidneys, through other mechanisms rather than the **hyaline changes** observed in chronic conditions [4]. *Necrotizing glomerulonephritis* - Often seen in malignant hypertension as it leads to **acute kidney injury** characterized by **glomerular capillary damage**. - Associated with **fibrinoid necrosis** in the renal vasculature due to heightened blood pressure adversely affecting renal tissues [1,3]. *Fibrinoid necrosis* - Is a key feature in malignant hypertension, appearing as **deposits of fibrin** in the vessel walls [1,3]. - Characterizes the **acute vascular damage** and is indicative of renal impairment during malignant hypertensive crises [2]. *Hyperplastic aeriolosclerosis* - This condition is linked with malignant hypertension, characterized by **onion skin fibrosis** around arterioles [1]. - It reflects the **severe vascular changes** and is a direct response to the acute elevation in blood pressure [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, p. 945. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Cardiovascular Disease, pp. 276-277. [3] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Cardiovascular Disease, pp. 277-278. [4] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 541-542. [5] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, pp. 943-945.

Q: Which of the following vascular lesions has the least clinical significance?

Monckeberg's medial calcification. ***Monckeberg's medial calcification*** - This condition involves **calcification** of the media layer of the arteries and is typically **asymptomatic** with little clinical significance. - It does not obstruct blood flow and is usually found incidentally on imaging, making it a benign finding. *Hyperplastic aeriolosclerosis* - This lesion is associated with **hyperplasia** of smooth muscle cells and can lead to complications in conditions such as **hypertension** [1]. - It may indicate underlying vascular disease, thus having more clinical importance than Monckeberg's. *Glomus tumor* - Glomus tumors, while benign, can cause significant pain and discomfort, typically occurring under the nail bed. - Their potential for local invasion and distorting normal anatomy makes them clinically significant. *Hyaline aeriolosclerosis* - This condition is characterized by **hyaline deposition** in small arteries and is often associated with chronic hypertension and diabetes [1]. - It can indicate vascular injury and related complications, thus having more clinical relevance. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, pp. 498-499.

Q: Which of the following statements about cavernous hemangioma is false?

Undergo spontaneous regression. ***Undergo spontaneous regression*** - This statement is **false** because **cavernous hemangiomas** typically do not undergo spontaneous regression. They are persistent lesions. - Spontaneous regression is more characteristic of **capillary hemangiomas** (also known as infantile hemangiomas), especially those occurring in early childhood. *Less infiltrative than capillary hemangioma* - This statement is **true**. Cavernous hemangiomas are generally **well-circumscribed** and less infiltrative than capillary hemangiomas, which can sometimes spread more diffusely. - Their distinct, large vascular channels make them easier to delineate from surrounding tissue. *Intravascular thrombosis and dystrophic calcification are seen commonly* - This statement is **true**. The slow blood flow and large, irregular vascular spaces within cavernous hemangiomas predispose them to **thrombosis**. - Subsequent organization of thrombi and **fibrin deposition** often leads to **dystrophic calcification**, which can be visualized radiographically. *Not associated with VHL disease* - This statement is **true**. **Cavernous hemangiomas** are generally **not associated with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease**. - VHL disease is primarily linked to **hemangioblastomas**, particularly in the CNS and retina, which are distinct from common cavernous hemangiomas.

Question 1

In a kidney specimen, fibrinoid necrosis and an onion peel appearance are observed. The most probable pathology is:

Accepted Answer

Hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis

Answer

Glomerulosclerosis

Answer

Fibrillary glomerulonephritis

Answer

Hyaline degeneration

Question 2

Granuloma is a pathological feature of all, except which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Microscopic polyangiitis

Answer

Giant cell arteritis

Answer

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Answer

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Question 3

Which one is found in Henoch-Schönlein purpura?

Accepted Answer

IgA

Answer

IgM

Answer

IgE

Answer

IgG

Question 4

Which of the following statements about pyogenic granuloma is false?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial infection

Answer

Benign tumor

Answer

Bleeding

Answer

Lobular capillary hemangioma

Question 5

Which of the following is the MOST SIGNIFICANT modifiable predisposing factor for arterial thrombosis?

Accepted Answer

Cigarette smoking

Answer

Antiphospholipid syndrome

Answer

Hyperlipidemia

Answer

Homocystinuria

Question 6

Which immunohistochemical marker is primarily associated with glomus tumors?

Accepted Answer

CD-34

Answer

Cytokeratin

Answer

S-100

Answer

CD-57

Question 7

Granuloma is seen in all conditions except which one?

Accepted Answer

Microscopic polyangiitis

Answer

Churg-strauss disease

Answer

Wegener's granulomatosis

Answer

Giant cell arteritis

Question 8

All are seen in malignant hypertension except?

Accepted Answer

Hyaline arteriolosclerosis

Answer

Fibrinoid necrosis

Answer

Necrotizing glomerulonephritis

Answer

Hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis

Question 9

Which of the following vascular lesions has the least clinical significance?

Accepted Answer

Monckeberg's medial calcification

Answer

Glomus tumor

Answer

Hyaline arteriolosclerosis

Answer

Hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis

Question 10

Which of the following statements about cavernous hemangioma is false?

Accepted Answer

Undergo spontaneous regression

Answer

Not associated with VHL disease

Answer

Less infiltrative than capillary hemangioma

Answer

Intravascular thrombosis and dystrophic calcification are seen commonly

Vascular Pathology — MCQs

Vascular Pathology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?