NEET-PG 2013 Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following statements about Gilbert syndrome is false?

Causes cirrhosis. ***Causes cirrhosis*** - **Gilbert syndrome** is a benign condition characterized by intermittent unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and does **not lead to cirrhosis** [1]. - Cirrhosis is a severe form of **liver scarring** resulting from chronic damage, which is not a feature of Gilbert syndrome. *Normal liver histology* - The liver structure and function in individuals with Gilbert syndrome are typically **normal**, distinguishing it from other liver disorders [2]. - Histological examination of liver biopsies usually reveals no abnormalities, reflecting the **benign nature** of the condition. *Autosomal dominant* - Gilbert syndrome is inherited in an **autosomal recessive** pattern, not autosomal dominant [2]. - It results from a reduction in the activity of the **UGT1A1 enzyme**, which is responsible for bilirubin conjugation [1], [2]. *Elevated bilirubin levels are present* - Individuals with Gilbert syndrome experience **intermittent unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia**, meaning their indirect bilirubin levels are elevated [3]. - This elevation is usually mild and can be exacerbated by stress, fasting, or illness, but it is typically **harmless** [1], [2].

Q: Response to iron therapy in iron deficiency anemia is denoted by?

Reticulocytosis. Reticulocytosis - Reticulocytosis is one of the earliest signs of a positive response to iron therapy in iron deficiency anemia, occurring within 5-10 days. - It signifies that the bone marrow is effectively producing new red blood cells after iron supplementation. Restoration of enzymes - While iron is a crucial component of many enzymes (e.g., catalase, cytochrome oxidase), its restoration takes time and is not the primary immediate indicator of therapeutic response. - Clinical improvement and other hematological parameters precede the full restoration of enzyme function. Increase in hemoglobin - An increase in hemoglobin is a definitive sign of successful treatment, but it occurs later than reticulocytosis, typically visible after several weeks to months of therapy. - Hemoglobin levels rise as the new, iron-sufficient red blood cells fully mature and replace the older, iron-deficient ones. Increase in iron binding capacity - In iron deficiency anemia, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is typically increased due to more transferrin being available to bind iron [1]. - Successful iron therapy would lead to a decrease in TIBC as transferrin sites become saturated with iron, not an increase.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a feature of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome?

Autosomal recessive inheritance. ***High risk of malignancy*** - Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is primarily associated with **benign hamartomatous polyps**, not a **high risk of malignancy**, which distinguishes it from other syndromes. - Although patients may develop cancers [1], the syndrome itself does not inherently denote a high malignancy risk like other syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis. *Autosomal dominant* - This syndrome is indeed **autosomal dominant**, caused by mutations in the STK11 gene. - Families with this condition typically show **vertical transmission**, characteristic of autosomal dominant inheritance. *Hamartomatous polyp* - Individuals with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome develop **hamartomatous polyps**, which are a hallmark feature of the condition [1]. - These polyps can occur in the gastrointestinal tract and are benign lesions rather than adenomatous type seen in other syndromes [1]. *Mucocutaneous pigmentation* - Mucocutaneous pigmentation, such as **freckling around the lips and buccal mucosa**, is a key clinical feature of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. - This pigmentation usually appears in childhood and is often a distinguishing sign of the syndrome.

Q: What is the most common location of gastrinoma?

Duodenum. ***Duodenum*** - The **duodenum** is the most common site for gastrinomas, accounting for over **half of all cases**, particularly in sporadic gastrinoma and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. - These tumors are often **small** and **multiple** in the duodenum, making them challenging to locate. *Pancreas* - Pancreatic gastrinomas are also common, representing approximately **25-40% of cases**, but are less frequent than duodenal gastrinomas. - Pancreatic gastrinomas tend to be **larger** and more amenable to surgical resection when compared to duodenal gastrinomas. *Jejunum* - Gastrinomas found in the jejunum are **rare**, accounting for only a small percentage of cases. - The small intestine distal to the duodenum is an **uncommon site** for primary gastrinoma formation. *Gall bladder* - The **gallbladder** is not a typical location for gastrinoma development. - Gastrinomas are neuroendocrine tumors that arise from **gastrin-producing cells**, which are not found in the gallbladder.

Q: Centrilobular necrosis of the liver may be seen with?

CCl4. ***CCl4*** - **Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)** is the **classic and prototypical** hepatotoxin that causes **centrilobular (zone 3) necrosis**. - The **centrilobular zone (zone 3)** is particularly vulnerable due to its high concentration of **cytochrome P450 enzymes**, which metabolize CCl4 into **toxic free radicals (trichloromethyl radicals)**. - This is the **most characteristic** cause of centrilobular necrosis in toxicology and is the preferred answer for exam purposes. *Ethanol* - **Ethanol** can also cause **centrilobular necrosis** in **alcoholic hepatitis**, as zone 3 is most susceptible to hypoxic injury and oxidative stress. - However, alcoholic liver disease presents with a **spectrum of changes** including steatosis (earliest), hepatitis with ballooning degeneration and Mallory-Denk bodies, and eventual cirrhosis. - While centrilobular necrosis occurs in alcoholic hepatitis, **CCl4 remains the prototype** for pure centrilobular necrosis in exam contexts. *Phosphorus* - **Elemental phosphorus** toxicity causes **periportal (zone 1) necrosis**, which is the opposite pattern from centrilobular necrosis. - It also causes widespread fatty change and hemorrhagic necrosis within the liver. *Arsenic* - **Arsenic poisoning** causes **diffuse/generalized hepatocellular necrosis** and cholestasis, rather than the specific centrilobular pattern. - Chronic exposure is associated with non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis and portal hypertension.

Q: Linitis plastica is a type of ?

Manifestation of gastric cancer. ***Diffuse carcinoma of stomach*** - Linitis plastica is a specific type of **gastric cancer** characterized by **thickening of the stomach wall**, leading to a rigid, non-distensible abdomen [1]. - It often presents with **significant weight loss** and **early satiety**, distinguishing it from other stomach conditions. *Benign ulcer* - Benign ulcers do not cause the **extensive wall thickening** or **desmoplastic response** seen in linitis plastica [1]. - They typically heal with treatment and are associated with typical ulcer symptoms, unlike the progressive nature of linitis plastica. *Plastic like lining of stomach* - While linitis plastica describes a **plastic-like appearance**, it is not classified as a mere lining change but rather a sign of underlying **malignancy** [1]. - This option misrepresents it as a benign condition rather than a serious **stomach adenocarcinoma**. *GIST* - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are **soft tissue tumors** of mesenchymal origin, differing fundamentally from the **invasive** characteristics of linitis plastica [2]. - GISTs typically present with **mass lesions** in the GI tract, not the diffuse rigidity seen in linitis plastica [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, pp. 779-780. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, p. 779.

Q: Gastric carcinoma is associated with all of the following EXCEPT:

Activation of RAS. ***Activation of RAS*** - **RAS mutations** are relatively uncommon in gastric carcinoma compared to other gastrointestinal malignancies. While KRAS mutations can occur in approximately 10-15% of gastric cancers (particularly intestinal type), they are **far less frequent** than in **pancreatic adenocarcinoma** (~90%) or **colorectal carcinoma** (~40%). - In the context of gastric carcinoma, RAS pathway alterations are **not considered a major oncogenic driver** compared to the other molecular changes listed, making this the **LEAST characteristically associated** alteration. *Inactivation of p53* - **Inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene** is one of the most frequent molecular events in gastric carcinoma, occurring in approximately **50-60% of cases**. - Loss of p53 function leads to genomic instability, uncontrolled cell proliferation, and resistance to apoptosis, contributing significantly to **tumorigenesis** and **poor prognosis**. *Over expression of C-met* - **Overexpression of C-MET**, a receptor tyrosine kinase for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), is commonly observed in gastric carcinoma (30-40% of cases) and is strongly linked to **tumor growth**, **invasion**, and **metastasis**. - C-MET amplification and overexpression promote cell proliferation, survival, migration, and angiogenesis, making it an important **therapeutic target** in advanced gastric cancer. *Over expression of C-erb* - **Overexpression of C-erbB-2 (HER2/neu)** is found in approximately **10-20% of gastric adenocarcinomas**, particularly the intestinal type. - HER2 amplification or overexpression is a significant **prognostic and predictive biomarker**, and is specifically targeted by **trastuzumab** (Herceptin) therapy in HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer, improving survival outcomes.

Q: Donath-Landsteiner antibody is seen in?

Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. ***Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria*** - **Donath-Landsteiner antibody** is a **biphasic IgG autoantibody** that binds to red blood cells in the cold and causes **hemolysis** upon warming, characteristic of paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. - This antibody has **anti-P specificity**, meaning it targets the P antigen on red blood cells, leading to complement activation and cell lysis. *PNH* - **Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria** (PNH) is characterized by a deficiency in **GPI-anchored proteins** on red blood cells, notably **CD55** and **CD59**, making them susceptible to complement-mediated lysis. - It is not associated with the Donath-Landsteiner antibody; rather, it is identified by **flow cytometry** showing absence of CD55/CD59. *Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia* - This is a **B-cell lymphoma** characterized by the overproduction of **monoclonal IgM antibodies**, leading to hyperviscosity syndrome and other symptoms. - It does not involve Donath-Landsteiner antibodies or cold-induced hemolysis in the same manner as paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. *Malaria* - **Malaria** is caused by **Plasmodium parasites** that infect and destroy red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia and fever. - While it causes **hemolysis**, it is not mediated by the Donath-Landsteiner antibody; the destruction is primarily due to parasitic replication and immune responses against infected cells.

Q: Thalassemia gives protection against ?

Protection against malaria. Protection against malaria - Individuals with thalassemia, particularly thalassemia trait, have some degree of protection against severe forms of malaria, specifically Plasmodium falciparum [1]. - The altered red blood cell structure and reduced hemoglobin content in thalassemia make the red blood cells less hospitable for the parasites, hindering their replication and survival [1]. Protection against filaria - Filaria is caused by parasitic worms (nematodes) transmitted by mosquitoes, leading to lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) or onchocerciasis (river blindness). - Thalassemia's primary impact is on red blood cell health and oxygen transport, offering no known protective effect against nematode infections or their associated pathology. Protection against kala-azar - Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) is caused by Leishmania parasites transmitted by sandflies, primarily affecting the reticuloendothelial system (spleen, liver, bone marrow). - There is no established scientific evidence indicating that thalassemia provides protection against Leishmania infections or their clinical manifestations. Protection against leptospirosis - Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria, typically acquired through contact with contaminated water or animal urine. - Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder; its physiological effects are unrelated to the mechanisms of infection or immunity against bacterial pathogens like Leptospira.

Question 1

Which of the following statements about Gilbert syndrome is false?

Accepted Answer

Causes cirrhosis

Answer

Normal liver histology

Answer

Autosomal dominant

Answer

Elevated bilirubin levels are present

Question 2

Response to iron therapy in iron deficiency anemia is denoted by?

Accepted Answer

Reticulocytosis

Answer

Increase in hemoglobin

Answer

Restoration of enzymes

Answer

Increase in iron binding capacity

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a feature of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Autosomal recessive inheritance

Answer

Mucocutaneous pigmentation

Answer

Autosomal dominant

Answer

Hamartomatous polyp

Question 4

What is the most common location of gastrinoma?

Accepted Answer

Duodenum

Answer

Pancreas

Answer

Jejunum

Answer

Gall bladder

Question 5

Centrilobular necrosis of the liver may be seen with?

Accepted Answer

CCl4

Answer

Arsenic

Answer

Ethanol

Answer

Phosphorus

Question 6

Linitis plastica is a type of ?

Accepted Answer

Manifestation of gastric cancer

Answer

Benign ulcer

Answer

GIST

Answer

Plastic-like appearance of stomach lining

Question 7

Gastric carcinoma is associated with all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Activation of RAS

Answer

Over expression of C-met

Answer

Inactivation of p53

Answer

Over expression of C-erb

Question 8

Donath-Landsteiner antibody is seen in?

Accepted Answer

Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria

Answer

PNH

Answer

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia

Answer

Malaria

Question 9

Thalassemia gives protection against ?

Accepted Answer

Protection against malaria

Answer

Protection against filaria

Answer

Protection against kala-azar

Answer

Protection against leptospirosis

Question 10

What are Councilman bodies and in which condition are they typically observed?

Accepted Answer

Acute viral hepatitis

Answer

Wilson's disease

Answer

Ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes

Answer

Alcoholic liver disease

NEET-PG 2013

Internal Medicine

Pathology