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  • Question 1 - Which of the following morphological features is most characteristic of hyaline degeneration? ...

    Correct

    • Which of the following morphological features is most characteristic of hyaline degeneration?

      Your Answer: Homogeneous, ground-glass, pink-staining appearance of cells

      Explanation:

      The characteristic morphological features of hyaline degeneration is ground-glass, pinking staining cytoplasm with an intact cell membrane. The accumulation of lipids, calcium salts, lipofuscin and an amorphous cytoplasm with an intact cell membrane are all characteristically found in different situations.

      Pyknotic nucleus and orphan Annie eye nucleus are not seen in hyaline degeneration.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cell Injury & Wound Healing
      • Pathology
      37.1
      Seconds
  • Question 2 - Leukotrienes normally function during an asthma attack and work to sustain inflammation. Which...

    Incorrect

    • Leukotrienes normally function during an asthma attack and work to sustain inflammation. Which of the following enzymes would inhibit their synthesis?

      Your Answer: 5-alpha-reductase

      Correct Answer: 5-lipoxygenase

      Explanation:

      Leukotrienes are produced from arachidonic acid with the help of the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase. This takes place in the eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, monocytes and basophils. They are eicosanoid lipid mediators and take part in allergic and asthmatic attacks. They are both autocrine as well as paracrine signalling molecules to regulate the body’s response and include: LTA4, LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, LTE4 and LTF4.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Inflammation & Immunology
      • Pathology
      31.5
      Seconds
  • Question 3 - A 33-year old lady presented to the gynaecology clinic with amenorrhoea for 6...

    Correct

    • A 33-year old lady presented to the gynaecology clinic with amenorrhoea for 6 months and a recent-onset of milk discharge from her breasts. She was not pregnant or on any medication. On enquiry, she admitted to having frequent headaches the last 4 months. Which of the following findings would you expect to see in her condition?

      Your Answer: Hyperprolactinaemia

      Explanation:

      Excessively high levels of prolactin in the blood is called hyperprolactinaemia. Normally, prolactin levels are less than 580 mIU/l in females and less than 450 mIU/l in men. The biologically inactive macroprolactin can lead to a false high reading. However, the patient remains asymptomatic. Dopamine down-regulates prolactin whereas oestrogen upregulates it. Hyperprolactinaemia can be caused due to lack of inhibition (compression of pituitary stalk or low dopamine levels), or increased production due to a pituitary adenoma (prolactinoma). Either of these causes can lead to a prolactin level of 1000-5000 mIU/l. However, levels more than 5000mIU/l are usually associated due to an adenoma and >100,000 mIU/l are seen in macroadenomas (tumours < 1cm in diameter). Increased prolactin causes increased dopamine release from the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus. This increased dopamine in turn, inhibits the GnRH (Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone) thus blocking gonadal steroidogenesis resulting in the symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia. In women, it includes hypoestrogenism, anovulatory infertility, decreased or irregular menstruation or complete amenorrhoea. It can even cause production of breast milk, loss of libido, vaginal dryness and osteoporosis. In men, the symptoms include impotence, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and infertility. In men, treatment can be delayed due to late diagnosis as they have no reliable indicator such as menstruation that might indicate a problem. Most of the male patients seek help only when headaches and visual defects start to surface.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine
      • Pathology
      27.1
      Seconds
  • Question 4 - A 7-year-old boy is diagnosed with metabolic acidosis as a result of severe...

    Correct

    • A 7-year-old boy is diagnosed with metabolic acidosis as a result of severe dehydration. Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause severe dehydration and metabolic acidosis?

      Your Answer: Severe diarrhoea

      Explanation:

      Diarrhoea is defined as having three or more loose or liquid stools per day, or as having more stools than is normal for that person. Severe diarrhoea, causing fluid loss and loss of bicarbonate, will result in marked dehydration and metabolic acidosis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Fluids & Electrolytes
      • Physiology
      95.2
      Seconds
  • Question 5 - A 45-year old male patient with a long history of alcoholism developed liver...

    Correct

    • A 45-year old male patient with a long history of alcoholism developed liver cirrhosis that has led to portal hypertension. Which of the following plexuses of veins is most likely dilated in this patient?

      Your Answer: Haemorrhoidal plexus

      Explanation:

      The haemorrhoidal plexus or also known as the rectal plexus is a venous plexus that surrounds the rectum. This venous plexus in males communicates anteriorly with the vesical plexus and uterovaginal plexus in females. This venous plexus forms a site of free communication between the portal and systemic venous systems. In the case of portal hypertension this plexus would most likely dilate due to the increased pressure.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Pelvis
      38.2
      Seconds
  • Question 6 - Following a fracture in the fibula, an artery contained in a fibrous canal...

    Incorrect

    • Following a fracture in the fibula, an artery contained in a fibrous canal between tibialis posterior and flexor hallucis longus was lacerated. Which of the following arteries was injured?

      Your Answer: Posterior tibial

      Correct Answer: Peroneal

      Explanation:

      The peroneal artery is deeply seated at the back of the fibular side of the leg, contained in a fibrous canal between the tibialis posterior and the flexor hallucis longus.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Lower Limb
      31.5
      Seconds
  • Question 7 - A 79-year-old has been bedridden for 2 months after suffering from a stroke....

    Incorrect

    • A 79-year-old has been bedridden for 2 months after suffering from a stroke. She suddenly developed shortness of breath and chest pain, and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following is most likely to increase in this case?

      Your Answer: Arterial CO2

      Correct Answer: Ventilation/perfusion ratio

      Explanation:

      Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by an embolus that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream. The change in cardiopulmonary function is proportional to the extent of the obstruction, which varies with the size and number of emboli obstructing the pulmonary arteries. The resulting physiological changes may include pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular failure and shock, dyspnoea with tachypnoea and hyperventilation, arterial hypoxaemia and pulmonary infarction. Consequent alveolar hyperventilation is manifested by a lowered pa(CO2). After occlusion of the pulmonary artery, areas of the lung are ventilated but not perfused, resulting in wasted ventilation with an increased ventilation/perfusion ratio – the physiological hallmark of PE – contributing to a further hyperventilatory state. The risk of blood clots is increased by cancer, prolonged bed rest, smoking, stroke, certain genetic conditions, oestrogen-based medication, pregnancy, obesity, and post surgery.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Respiratory
      79.9
      Seconds
  • Question 8 - Which organ is most vulnerable to haemorrhagic shock? ...

    Correct

    • Which organ is most vulnerable to haemorrhagic shock?

      Your Answer: Kidneys

      Explanation:

      At rest, the brain receives 15% cardiac output, muscles 15%, gastrointestinal tract 30% and kidneys receive 20%. However, if normalised by weight, the largest specific blood flow is received by the kidneys at rest (400 ml/min x 100g), making them highly vulnerable in the case of a haemorrhagic shock.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Cardiovascular
      • Physiology
      14.4
      Seconds
  • Question 9 - A 35-year-old woman is in a comatose state following a traumatic head injury,...

    Correct

    • A 35-year-old woman is in a comatose state following a traumatic head injury, and is receiving intravenous (IV) antibiotics and IV fluids containing saline and 5% dextrose. A serum biochemistry analysis is performed five days later which shows a low serum potassium level. This is most likely to be due to:

      Your Answer: Nothing per oral regimen

      Explanation:

      In this patient the cause for hypokalaemia is insufficient consumption of potassium as she is nil-per mouth with no intravenous supplementation. Parenteral nutrition has been used for comatose patients, although enteral feeding is usually preferable, and less prone to complications.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Fluids & Electrolytes
      • Physiology
      135.7
      Seconds
  • Question 10 -  A 45-year-old man presented to the doctor complaining of a flank pain and...

    Incorrect

    •  A 45-year-old man presented to the doctor complaining of a flank pain and episodes of haematuria. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a left renal mass and the patient underwent a nephrectomy. Histopathological pattern was triphasic with blastemal, epithelial, and stromal components. The pathologist suggested the tumour resulted from the lack of a tumour suppressor gene on chromosome 11. Which of the following tumours is the pathologist most likely suggesting?

      Your Answer: Transitional cell carcinoma

      Correct Answer: Wilms’ tumour

      Explanation:

      Wilms’ tumour is one of the most common malignant tumours of childhood but it can also rarely be found in adults. In biopsy, classical histopathological findings include the triphasic pattern composed by blastemal, epithelial, and stromal elements. First symptoms in children include an abdominal palpable mass, while in adults pain and haematuria are the most common complaints. Deletions of tumours’ suppressor genes on chromosome 11 are usually associated with Wilms’ tumour.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Renal
      231.4
      Seconds
  • Question 11 - A biopsy is performed on a 67-year-old-man with testicular seminoma; it reveals that...

    Correct

    • A biopsy is performed on a 67-year-old-man with testicular seminoma; it reveals that the tumour affects the tunica vaginalis. The tumour stage in this case is:

      Your Answer: T2

      Explanation:

      The primary tumour staging for testicular seminoma is as follows, according to AJCC guidelines:

      Tis: intratubular germ cell neoplasia (carcinoma in situ)

      T1: tumour limited to testis/epididymis without vascular or lymphatic invasion; the tumour can invade into the tunica albuginea but not the tunica vaginalis

      T2: tumour limited to testis/epididymis with vascular or lymphatic invasion or tumour extending through the tunica albuginea with involvement of the tunica vaginalis

      T3: tumour invading the spermatic cord, with or without vascular/lymphatic invasion

      T4: tumour invading the scrotum, with or without vascular/lymphatic invasion.

      According to these guidelines, the tumour in this case has a T2 stage.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Urology
      119.3
      Seconds
  • Question 12 - A patient who underwent emergency appendicectomy complains of having numbness (paraesthesia) of the...

    Correct

    • A patient who underwent emergency appendicectomy complains of having numbness (paraesthesia) of the skin at the pubic region. Which nerve was most likely injured in the operation?

      Your Answer: Iliohypogastric

      Explanation:

      The iliohypogastric nerve comes from L1 and emerges from the upper part of the lateral border of the psoas major. It then crosses obliquely in front of the quadratus lumborum to the iliac crest where it perforates the posterior part of transversus abdominis and divides between that muscle and the internal oblique into a lateral and an anterior cutaneous branch. This provides sensory innervation to the skin of the lower abdominal wall, upper hip and upper thigh.

      The genitofemoral nerve also comes from the lumbar plexus that innervates the skin of the anterior scrotum or labia majora and upper medial thigh.

      The subcostal nerve is the ventral primary ramus of T12 providing sensory innervation to the anterolateral abdominal wall in an area superior to the pubic region.

      A spinal nerve owing to their deep location would not have been injured in the procedure.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Abdomen
      • Anatomy
      36.8
      Seconds
  • Question 13 - Which of the cranial nerves is responsible for touch sensation on the skin...

    Correct

    • Which of the cranial nerves is responsible for touch sensation on the skin over the maxilla region and the mandible?

      Your Answer: Trigeminal

      Explanation:

      The sensation of the face is provided by the trigeminal nerve which is cranial nerve V. It is also responsible for other motor functions such as biting and chewing. The trigeminal nerve has three branches; the ophthalmic nerve (V1), the maxillary nerve((V2) and the mandibular nerve (V3). These three branches exit the skull through separate foramina, namely; the superior orbital fissure, the foramen rotundum and the foramen ovale respectively. The mnemonic for this is ‘Standing room only’. The sensory fibres of the maxillary nerve are distributed to the lower eyelid and cheek, the nares and upper lip, the upper teeth and gums, the nasal mucosa, the palate and roof of the pharynx, the maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, and parts of the meninges. The sensory fibres of the mandibular nerve are distributed to the lower lip, the lower teeth and gums, the floor of the mouth, the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, the chin and jaw (except the angle of the jaw, which is supplied by C2–C3), parts of the external ear, and parts of the meninges. The mandibular nerve carries touch/ position and pain/temperature sensation from the mouth. The sensory fibres of the ophthalmic nerve are distributed to the scalp and forehead, the upper eyelid, the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, the nose (including the tip of the nose), the nasal mucosa, the frontal sinuses and parts of the meninges (the dura and blood vessels). The sensory fibres of the maxillary nerve are distributed to the lower eyelid and cheek, the nares and upper lip, the upper teeth and gums, the nasal mucosa, the palate and roof of the pharynx, the maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, and parts of the meninges.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Head & Neck
      11.9
      Seconds
  • Question 14 - Which structure holds the duodenojejunal flexure in place? ...

    Correct

    • Which structure holds the duodenojejunal flexure in place?

      Your Answer: Suspensory ligament (of Treitz)

      Explanation:

      The duodenum is connected to the diaphragm by the suspensory ligament called the ligament of Treitz. It is a slip of skeletal muscle from the right crus of the diaphragm and a fibromuscular band of smooth muscle from the 3rd and 4th parts of the duodenum. It is an important landmark, used to divide the gastrointestinal tract into the upper and lower parts. Contraction of this ‘ligament’ leads to opening of the duodenojejunal flexure allowing the flow of chyme.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Abdomen
      • Anatomy
      47.2
      Seconds
  • Question 15 - A 40-year-old woman is suspected to have an ovarian cancer. Which tumour marker...

    Correct

    • A 40-year-old woman is suspected to have an ovarian cancer. Which tumour marker should be requested to confirm the diagnosis?

      Your Answer: CA-125

      Explanation:

      CA-125 is a protein that is used as a tumour marker. This substance is found in high concentration in patients with ovarian cancer. It is the only tumour marker recommended for clinical use in the diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neoplasia
      • Pathology
      74.3
      Seconds
  • Question 16 - Difficulty in retracting the foreskin of the penis in an uncircumcised male is...

    Correct

    • Difficulty in retracting the foreskin of the penis in an uncircumcised male is known as:

      Your Answer: Phimosis

      Explanation:

      Phimosis is the inability to fully retract the foreskin of the penis in an uncircumcised male. It can be physiological in infancy, in which it could be referred to as ‘developmental non-retractility of the foreskin. However, it is almost always pathological in older children and men. Causes include chronic inflammation (e.g. balanoposthitis), multiple catheterisations, or forceful foreskin retraction. One of the causes is chronic balanitis xerotica obliterans. It leads to development of a ring of indurated tissue near the tip of the prepuce, which prevents retraction. Contributory factors include infections, hormonal and inflammatory factors. The recommended treatment includes circumcision.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Urology
      206.3
      Seconds
  • Question 17 - Which one of the following is a derivative of the midgut? ...

    Incorrect

    • Which one of the following is a derivative of the midgut?

      Your Answer: Sigmoid colon

      Correct Answer: Caecum

      Explanation:

      The primary intestinal loop is formed from the midgut which gives rise to the distal half of the duodenum, the jejunum, ascending colon, proximal two thirds of the transverse colon and the ileum.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Embryology
      23.9
      Seconds
  • Question 18 - Langhans giant cells are characteristically seen in which type of inflammation? ...

    Correct

    • Langhans giant cells are characteristically seen in which type of inflammation?

      Your Answer: Granulomatous inflammation

      Explanation:

      Langhans giant cells are characteristically seen in granulomatous inflammation. They form when epithelioid cells fuse together. They usually contain a nuclei with a horseshoe-shaped pattern in the periphery of the cell.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Inflammation & Immunology
      • Pathology
      187
      Seconds
  • Question 19 - Staphylococcus aureus can be identified in the laboratory based on the clotting of...

    Incorrect

    • Staphylococcus aureus can be identified in the laboratory based on the clotting of plasma. Which microbial product is responsible for this activity?

      Your Answer: Plasmin

      Correct Answer: Coagulase

      Explanation:

      Staphylococcus aureus is the most pathogenic species and is implicated in a variety of infections.  S. aureus can be identified due to its production of coagulase. The staphylococcal enzyme coagulase will cause inoculated citrated rabbit plasma to gel or coagulate. The coagulase converts soluble fibrinogen in the plasma into insoluble fibrin.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathology
      8.3
      Seconds
  • Question 20 - Elevated mean corpuscular volume with hypersegmented neutrophils and low reticulocyte index is seen...

    Incorrect

    • Elevated mean corpuscular volume with hypersegmented neutrophils and low reticulocyte index is seen in on the blood count of a middle-aged lady about to undergo elective surgery. On enquiry, she mentions feeling tired for a few months. Which of the following investigations should be carried out in her to reach a diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Bone marrow biopsy

      Correct Answer: Serum vitamin B12 and folate

      Explanation:

      Elevated levels of MCV indicates megaloblastic anaemia, which are associated with hypersegmented neutrophils. Likely causes include vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Megaloblastic anaemia results from defective synthesis of DNA. As RNA production continues, the cells enlarge with a large nucleus. The cytoplasmic maturity becomes greater than nuclear maturity. Megaloblasts are produced initially in the marrow, before blood. Dyspoiesis makes erythropoiesis ineffective, causing direct hyperbilirubinemia and hyperuricemia. As all cell lines are affected, reticulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia develop. Large, oval blood cells (macro-ovalocytes) are released in the circulation, along with presence of hypersegmented neutrophils.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Haematology
      • Pathology
      116.5
      Seconds
  • Question 21 - Which of these infectious agents tends to affect people under 20 and over...

    Incorrect

    • Which of these infectious agents tends to affect people under 20 and over 40 years old, can cause acute encephalitis with cerebral oedema and petechial haemorrhages, along with haemorrhagic lesions of the temporal lobe. A lumbar puncture will reveal clear cerebrospinal fluid with an elevated lymphocyte count?

      Your Answer: Neisseria meningitidis

      Correct Answer: Herpes simplex virus

      Explanation:

      Haemorrhagic lesions of the temporal lobe are typical of Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). It tends to affect patients aged under 20 or over 40 years, and is often fatal if left untreated. In acute encephalitis, cerebral oedema and petechial haemorrhages occur and direct viral invasion of the brain usually damages neurones. The majority of cases of herpes encephalitis are caused by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), and about 10% of cases of herpes encephalitis are due to HSV-2, which is typically spread through sexual contact.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Neurology
      • Pathology
      72.6
      Seconds
  • Question 22 - Which of these substances is secreted by pericytes in the juxtaglomerular cells? ...

    Incorrect

    • Which of these substances is secreted by pericytes in the juxtaglomerular cells?

      Your Answer: Erythropoietin

      Correct Answer: Renin

      Explanation:

      The juxtaglomerular cells synthesise, store and secrete the enzyme renin in the kidney. They are specialised smooth muscle cells in the wall of the afferent arteriole that delivers blood to the glomerulus and thus play a critical role in the renin– angiotensin system and so in renal autoregulation.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Physiology
      • Renal
      15.4
      Seconds
  • Question 23 - When conducting an exploratory laparotomy procedure of a patient diagnosed with a bleeding...

    Incorrect

    • When conducting an exploratory laparotomy procedure of a patient diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer of the lesser curvature of the stomach, which artery in this patient are you most likely to ligate to control the bleeding?

      Your Answer: Right gastroepiploic

      Correct Answer: Left gastric

      Explanation:

      The lesser curvature of the stomach is supplied by the left gastric artery along with the right gastric artery. These two arteries are the ones to most likely be ligated if bleeding was to be stopped at the lesser curvature of the stomach. The splenic artery branches from the celiac branch and supplies the spleen. The left gastro-omental, the right and left gastroepiploic arteries supply the greater curvature.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Abdomen
      • Anatomy
      49.6
      Seconds
  • Question 24 - Which of the following structures is not easily palpable? ...

    Correct

    • Which of the following structures is not easily palpable?

      Your Answer: Styloid process of the temporal bone

      Explanation:

      The styloid process is a thin, pointed process that projects antero-inferiorly from the base of the petrous temporal bone. It can vary in length from a short, stubby process to a slender, four to five centimetre rod. It forms from the cranial elements of the second pharyngeal arch. The tympanic plate of the temporal bone ensheathes the base of this process. The pointed, projecting portion of the process provides attachment to the stylohyoid and stylomandibular ligaments, and to three muscles – the styloglossus, stylohyoid, and stylopharyngeus. As the styloid process is covered by the various muscles, it is not easily palpable in live subjects.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Head & Neck
      13.3
      Seconds
  • Question 25 - A 22-year old man presented with a mass in his left scrotum which...

    Incorrect

    • A 22-year old man presented with a mass in his left scrotum which was more prominent when standing and felt like a 'bag of worms'. Examination revealed a non-tender mass along the spermatic cord. Also, the right testis was larger than the left testis. What is the likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Spermatocoele

      Correct Answer: Varicocele

      Explanation:

      Varicocele refers to dilatation and increased tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus – which is a network of veins found in spermatic cord that drain the testicle. Defective valves or extrinsic compression can result in outflow obstruction and cause dilatation near the testis. Normal diameter of the small vessels ranges from 0.5 – 1.5mm. A varicocele is a dilatation more than 2mm.

      The plexus travels from the posterior aspect of testis into the inguinal canal with other structures forming the spermatic cord. They then form the testicular veins out of which the right testicular vein drains into the inferior vena cava and the left into the left renal vein.

      It affects 15-20% men, and 40% of infertile males. Usually diagnosed in 15-25 years of age, they are rarely seen after 40 years of age. Because of the vertical path taken by the left testicular vein to drain into left renal vein, 98% idiopathic varicoceles occur on the left side. It is bilateral in 70% cases. Right-sided varicoceles are rare.

      Symptoms include pain or heaviness in the testis, infertility, testicular atrophy, a palpable mass, which is non-tender and along the spermatic cord (resembling a ‘bag of worms’). The testis on the affected side might be smaller.

      Diagnosis can be made by ultrasound. Provocative measures such as Valsalva manoeuvre or making the patient stand up to increase the dilatation by increasing the intra-abdominal venous pressure.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Urology
      56.6
      Seconds
  • Question 26 - A 7-year old child from a rural setting complains of recurrent abdominal pain....

    Correct

    • A 7-year old child from a rural setting complains of recurrent abdominal pain. The child is found to have a heavy parasitic infestation and anaemia. Which type of anaemia is most likely seen in this patient?

      Your Answer: Iron deficiency anaemia

      Explanation:

      The most common cause of iron deficiency anaemia in children in developing countries is parasitic infection (hookworm, amoebiasis, schistosomiasis and whipworm).

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathology
      90.2
      Seconds
  • Question 27 - A 42-year old woman presents to the doctor with jaundice. Her investigations show...

    Incorrect

    • A 42-year old woman presents to the doctor with jaundice. Her investigations show conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, raised urine bilirubin levels and low urine urobilinogen levels. What is the likely cause of her jaundice?

      Your Answer: Primary shunt hyperbilirubinemia

      Correct Answer: Blockage of the common bile duct

      Explanation:

      The description of the patient here fits the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice or cholestasis, which results in conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Cholestasis occurs due to impairment of bile flow, which can be anywhere from the liver cell canaliculus to the ampulla of Vater. Causes can be divided into intrahepatic and extrahepatic.

      – Intrahepatic causes include hepatitis, drug toxicity, alcoholic liver disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, cholestasis of pregnancy and metastatic cancer.

      – Extrahepatic causes include common duct stone, pancreatic cancer, benign stricture of the common duct, ductal carcinoma, pancreatitis and sclerosing cholangitis.

      There is absence of bile constituents in the intestine, which causes spillage in the systemic circulation. Symptoms include pale stools, dark urine, pruritus, malabsorption leading to steatorrhea and deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins. Chronic cases can result in osteoporosis or osteomalacia due to vitamin D deficiency and Ca2+ malabsorption. Cholesterol and phospholipid retention produces hyperlipidaemia despite fat malabsorption (although increased liver synthesis and decreased plasma esterification of cholesterol also contribute); triglyceride levels are largely unaffected. The lipids circulate as a unique, low-density lipoprotein called lipoprotein X.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Gastroenterology
      • Physiology
      62.3
      Seconds
  • Question 28 - A 34-year old gentleman presented with acute pancreatitis to the emergency department. On...

    Incorrect

    • A 34-year old gentleman presented with acute pancreatitis to the emergency department. On enquiry, there was found to be a history of recurrent pancreatitis, eruptive xanthomas and raised plasma triglyceride levels associated with chylomicrons. Which of the following will be found deficient in this patient?

      Your Answer: HMG-CoA reductase

      Correct Answer: Lipoprotein lipase

      Explanation:

      The clinical features mentioned here suggest the diagnosis of hypertriglyceridemia due to lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency. LPL aids in hydrolysing the lipids in lipoproteins into free fatty acids and glycerol. Apo-CII acts as a co-factor. Deficiency of this enzyme leads to hypertriglyceridemia.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Gastroenterology
      • Physiology
      57.1
      Seconds
  • Question 29 - A 40-year old Caucasian male came to the hospital with complaints of fatigue...

    Incorrect

    • A 40-year old Caucasian male came to the hospital with complaints of fatigue and lethargy. On examination, he was found to have raised blood pressure. Urine examination showed >300 mg/dl proteinuria (4+) and 24-hour urine protein 3.5g. No glucose, blood, nitrites, urobilinogen or casts were present in urine. What is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Minimal-change disease

      Correct Answer: Membranous glomerulonephritis

      Explanation:

      Membranous glomerulonephritis or nephropathy, is a renal disorder with insidious course and usually affects people aged 30-50 years. 85% cases are primary (or idiopathic). The other 15% are secondary to autoimmune conditions like SLE, infections like malaria or hepatitis B, drugs like captopril and NSAIDs, or malignancies (particularly lung or colonic carcinoma). This disease is caused due to circulating immune complexes which are said to form by binding of antibodies to antigens in glomerular basement membrane. This antigens could be endogenous or derived from systemic circulation. This immune complex triggers the complement system, resulting in formation of membrane attack complex (MAC) on glomerular epithelial cells. This further results in release of proteases and oxidants which damage the capillaries making them ‘leaky’. Moreover, the epithelial cells also secrete a mediator to reduce nephron synthesis and distribution.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Pathology
      • Renal
      31.2
      Seconds
  • Question 30 - A CT-scan of the lung shows a tumour crossing the minor (horizontal) fissure....

    Correct

    • A CT-scan of the lung shows a tumour crossing the minor (horizontal) fissure. This fissure separates:

      Your Answer: The middle lobe from the upper lobe

      Explanation:

      The horizontal fissure separates the upper lobe from the middle lobe. The oblique fissure on the other hand separates the lower lobe from both the middle and upper lobes. The lingula is found only on the left lung.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Anatomy
      • Thorax
      57
      Seconds

SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY

Cell Injury & Wound Healing (1/1) 100%
Pathology (7/14) 50%
Inflammation & Immunology (1/2) 50%
Endocrine (1/1) 100%
Fluids & Electrolytes (2/2) 100%
Physiology (3/7) 43%
Anatomy (6/9) 67%
Pelvis (1/1) 100%
Lower Limb (0/1) 0%
Respiratory (0/1) 0%
Cardiovascular (1/1) 100%
Renal (0/3) 0%
Urology (2/3) 67%
Abdomen (2/3) 67%
Head & Neck (2/2) 100%
Neoplasia (1/1) 100%
Embryology (0/1) 0%
Microbiology (1/2) 50%
Haematology (0/1) 0%
Neurology (0/1) 0%
Gastroenterology (0/2) 0%
Thorax (1/1) 100%
Passmed