NEET-PG 2015 - Internal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Thyroid nodule in a 65 year old male who is clinically euthyroid is most likely to be

Follicular adenoma. ***Follicular adenoma*** - Typically presents as a **solitary, well-defined nodule** in euthyroid patients, making it a common finding in this demographic. - It is often **benign** and can be differentiated from malignancies through imaging and cytological evaluation. *Multinodular goiter* - Usually involves multiple nodules rather than a **single nodule**, and patients often present with thyroid dysfunction [1]. - More common in women, and does not fit the profile of a solitary nodule in a euthyroid male. *Follicular Carcinoma* - While it can present as a nodule, it typically involves **elevated risk factors** such as family history and certain genetic mutations. - Euthyroid status alone is insufficient for a diagnosis of malignancy without further alarming features. *Thyroid Cyst* - Cysts are usually **fluid-filled** and may not present as solid nodules, which are common in cases described. - They tend to be **asymptomatic** and are generally **benign**, lacking the solid characteristics of a follicular adenoma.

Q: A 65 year old female presents with a swelling in the neck diagnosed as a solitary thyroid nodule. The patient is investigated and a scan shows increased uptake of iodine. Serum T3 and T4 are elevated . Most probabe diagnosis is

Solitary Toxic Adenoma. A **solitary toxic adenoma** is a single thyroid nodule that autonomously produces thyroid hormones, leading to **hyperthyroidism**. The increased iodine uptake on scan reflects its hyperfunctional state, and elevated **T3/T4** confirms hyperthyroidism. [2] - The combination of a **solitary nodule**, **increased iodine uptake**, and **elevated thyroid hormone levels** is pathognomonic for a solitary toxic adenoma. [2] *Benign Thyroid Nodule* - A **benign thyroid nodule** without hyperfunction would typically show **normal or decreased iodine uptake** and **normal T3/T4** levels. [2] - While benign, such a nodule alone does not explain the **elevated T3/T4** or **increased iodine uptake**. *Follicular Carcinoma* - **Follicular carcinoma** is a type of thyroid cancer that typically presents as a **cold nodule** (decreased iodine uptake) and is usually **non-functional**, meaning it does not cause hyperthyroidism with elevated T3/T4. [2] - The presence of **increased iodine uptake** and **hyperthyroidism** makes follicular carcinoma highly unlikely. *Toxic Multinodular Goiter* - A **toxic multinodular goiter** involves **multiple nodules**, not a solitary one, that are autonomously functional and cause hyperthyroidism. [1] - While it causes **hyperthyroidism** and **increased iodine uptake**, the key differentiating factor here is the presentation as a **solitary nodule**.

Q: All of the following may lead to pneumatocele formation except which of the following?

ARDS. ***ARDS*** - **Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)** is primarily characterized by **inflammatory lung injury**, leading to **alveolar edema**, but does not typically cause pneumatocele formation [1]. - Pneumatoceles are more likely associated with infections or mechanical ventilation, not with ARDS itself. *Staphylococcal pneumonia* - **Staphylococcal pneumonia** can lead to pneumatocele formation due to **necrotizing pneumonia**, where the formation of air-filled cysts occurs from lung tissue damage. - This type of pneumonia is associated with **Staphylococcus aureus** and can cause cavitary lesions. *Positive pressure ventilation* - **Positive pressure ventilation** can increase the risk of barotrauma, leading to the formation of pneumatocele through excess air entering lung tissue. - It is often used in cases of respiratory distress but can inadvertently contribute to pneumatocele development. *Hydrocarbon inhalation* - **Hydrocarbon inhalation** is linked to pneumonitis and can cause lung injury, leading to the formation of **pneumatoceles** as a result of **lung inflammation**. - Such inhalation can create **alveolar damage**, allowing for air-filled spaces to develop.

Q: Most common precipitant of Raynaud's phenomenon is

Exposure to cold. ***Exposure to cold*** - **Exposure to cold temperatures**, even mild cold, is the most frequent and characteristic trigger for **vasoconstriction** in Raynaud's phenomenon. - This leads to the classic **triphasic color changes** (white, blue, red) in the digits due to restricted blood flow. *Exposure to heat* - **Exposure to heat** generally causes **vasodilation**, which would alleviate rather than precipitate the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. - While sudden temperature changes can sometimes be a factor, direct heat exposure is not a primary recognized trigger. *Psychosocial triggers* - **Emotional stress** and anxiety can indeed precipitate Raynaud's episodes in some individuals, as the **sympathetic nervous system** plays a role in vasoconstriction. - However, **cold exposure** remains the most common and potent precipitating factor across the majority of cases. *Exertion* - **Physical exertion** typically leads to **vasodilation** in working muscles and increased blood flow to the skin for heat dissipation. - It is not a common or direct precipitant of the localized vasoconstrictive attacks seen in Raynaud's phenomenon.

Q: What is the main contraindication for performing a liver biopsy?

Severe coagulopathy. ***Severe coagulopathy*** - **Severe coagulopathy** is the main contraindication for liver biopsy due to a significantly increased risk of **hemorrhage** [1]. - A **prothrombin time (PT)** or **activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)** significantly prolonged beyond the normal range, or an **INR > 1.5**, should be corrected before the procedure [1]. *Severe thrombocytopenia* - While **thrombocytopenia** (platelet count <50,000/µL) does increase bleeding risk, it is often correctable with a **platelet transfusion** prior to biopsy, making it a relative rather than an absolute contraindication [1]. - The risk of major bleeding is typically lower with isolated thrombocytopenia compared to severe coagulopathy. *Liver hemangioma* - The presence of a **liver hemangioma** at the biopsy site is a contraindication as biopsying it can lead to massive hemorrhage. - However, if the biopsy can be performed safely away from the hemangioma, it is not an absolute contraindication to the procedure itself. *Presence of ascites* - **Ascites** can complicate a liver biopsy by increasing the risk of **peritoneal bleeding** and difficulty in targeting the liver [1]. - However, it is often manageable by draining the ascites or using imaging guidance, making it a relative contraindication rather than an absolute one [1].

Q: A patient presents with difficulty with swallowing liquids but not solids. The best investigation to make a diagnosis is

Manometry. ***Manometry*** - **Esophageal manometry** measures the pressure and coordination of muscle contractions in the esophagus, which is crucial for diagnosing motility disorders like **achalasia** [1] or **esophageal spasm** [2] that can cause difficulty swallowing liquids. - The symptom of difficulty swallowing liquids but not solids (**paradoxical dysphagia**) is characteristic of a primary esophageal motility disorder rather than a structural obstruction [1]. *Endoscopy* - **Endoscopy** is primarily used to visualize the esophagus and stomach for structural abnormalities such as **strictures**, **tumors**, or **inflammation** [1]. - While it can rule out structural causes, it is less effective for diagnosing purely functional or motility disorders [1]. *Endoscopic ultrasound* - **Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)** provides detailed imaging of the esophageal wall and surrounding structures, helping to stage cancers or identify extrinsic compression. - It is not the primary investigation for assessing **esophageal motility**. *PET CT* - **PET CT** is primarily used in oncology for **cancer staging**, recurrence detection, and assessing metabolic activity of lesions. - It has limited utility in the initial diagnosis of a **swallowing disorder**, especially one indicating a motility issue.

Q: Which of the following is true about menetrier's disease

There is decreased gastric acid secretion. ***It is a premalignant condition*** - Menetrier's disease is characterized by **hyperplastic gastric mucosa** and is considered a **premalignant condition** due to its association with gastric cancers. - Regular surveillance and monitoring are recommended because of this increased risk for malignancy. *Affects the stomach and small intestines* - Menetrier's disease primarily **affects the stomach**, specifically leading to excessive growth of the gastric mucosa. - It does not typically involve the **small intestines**, which differentiates it from other gastrointestinal diseases. *There is increased gastric acid secretion* - In Menetrier's disease, there is actually a **decreased gastric acid secretion** due to the alteration of gastric mucosal structure. - This condition leads to **hypochlorhydria**, contrasting with conditions that increase acid secretion like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. *Atrophied mucosal folds are seen* - Menetrier's disease is marked by **hypertrophy of the gastric folds**, not atrophy, resulting in **enlarged rugae** within the stomach. - Atrophied mucosal folds are more associated with conditions like chronic atrophic gastritis.

Q: A 55 years old male with a known history of gallstones presents with chief complaints of severe abdominal pain and elevated levels of serum lipase with periumbilical ecchymosis. All of the following are prognostic criteria to predict the severity of acute pancreatitis except:

Serum GGT. ***Serum GGT*** - **Serum GGT (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase)** is primarily used to evaluate liver and bile duct function and cholestasis, not as a direct prognostic indicator for acute pancreatitis severity. - While gallstones are mentioned, GGT elevation in this context would suggest the cause of pancreatitis rather than its severity. *Age* - **Age older than 55 years** is a significant prognostic factor in various scoring systems like Ranson's criteria and the APACHE II score, indicating a higher risk of severe disease and complications [1]. - Older patients generally have less physiologic reserve and are more prone to organ failure during severe pancreatitis [1]. *Serum LDH* - **Elevated serum LDH (lactate dehydrogenase)**, specifically above 350 IU/L, is one of Ranson's criteria for assessing the severity of acute pancreatitis within the first 48 hours. - It suggests significant tissue damage and necrosis, which correlates with worse outcomes. *Base deficit* - A **base deficit greater than 4 mEq/L** is an indicator of metabolic acidosis and is included in prognostic scoring systems for acute pancreatitis, such as the modified Glasgow criteria. - It reflects poor tissue perfusion, hypovolemia, and potentially severe systemic inflammation.

Q: A 45 year old lawyer presents with pain in the abdomen more so in the epigastric region that worsens with eating spicy food and is relieved by bending forward. Complications of the above mentioned condition could be all except:

Splenic Vein Thrombosis. ***Splenic Vein Thrombosis*** - The patient's symptoms (epigastric pain worsening with spicy food, relieved by bending forward) are highly suggestive of **pancreatitis**, not peptic ulcer disease [1]. **Splenic vein thrombosis** is a known complication of chronic pancreatitis due to inflammation and compression of the splenic vein [2]. - While pancreatitis can cause significant morbidity, **splenic vein thrombosis** is a specific vascular complication associated with prolonged inflammation of the pancreas, leading to localized portal hypertension and potentially isolated gastric varices. *Perforation* - **Perforation** (specifically of a peptic ulcer or potentially surrounding bowel in severe pancreatitis) is a severe complication that can occur in conditions causing abdominal pain, but it is not the *exception* among the given options for the likely underlying condition indicated by the patient's symptoms (pancreatitis) [3]. - This complication typically leads to **peritonitis**, a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention [3]. *Bleeding* - **Bleeding** (e.g., from a pancreatic pseudocyst rupturing into the gastrointestinal tract or from localized varices secondary to portal hypertension in pancreatitis) is a recognized complication of the patient's likely underlying condition [1]. - Gastrointestinal bleeding can also result from **gastric erosions** or ulcers exacerbated by ongoing inflammation. *Gastric Outlet Obstruction* - **Gastric outlet obstruction** can occur as a complication of severe or chronic pancreatitis, often due to **inflammation**, **fibrosis**, or **pseudocyst formation** compressing the duodenum [1]. - This typically presents with **postprandial vomiting** and early satiety, which can arise in the context of chronic pancreatic inflammation.

Q: Therapeutic phlebotomy is not done in which of the following conditions?

CML. CML - **Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)** is typically treated with targeted therapies like **Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors** (e.g., Imatinib), not phlebotomy [1]. - Therapeutic phlebotomy is ineffective in managing the **hypercellularity** or symptoms associated with this condition compared to other conditions [1]. *Polycythemia vera* - Therapeutic phlebotomy is a key treatment in **Polycythemia vera** to reduce **hyperviscosity** symptoms. - This condition features increased red blood cell mass, which is directly addressed by phlebotomy. *Hemochromatosis* - In **Hemochromatosis**, phlebotomy is employed to lower **iron overload** by removing excess iron from the body. - This reduces the risk of complications such as **liver cirrhosis** and **diabetes** associated with iron excess. *Porphyria cutanea tarda* - Therapeutic phlebotomy is sometimes used in cases of **Porphyria cutanea tarda** to manage iron levels as a potential precipitating factor [2]. - It helps alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with **photosensitivity** and skin lesions [2].

Question 1

Thyroid nodule in a 65 year old male who is clinically euthyroid is most likely to be

Accepted Answer

Follicular adenoma

Answer

Multinodular goiter

Answer

Thyroid cyst

Answer

Follicular carcinoma

Question 2

A 65 year old female presents with a swelling in the neck diagnosed as a solitary thyroid nodule. The patient is investigated and a scan shows increased uptake of iodine. Serum T3 and T4 are elevated . Most probabe diagnosis is

Accepted Answer

Solitary Toxic Adenoma

Answer

Benign Thyroid Nodule

Answer

Follicular Carcinoma

Answer

Toxic Multinodular Goiter

Question 3

All of the following may lead to pneumatocele formation except which of the following?

Accepted Answer

ARDS

Answer

Staphylococcal pneumonia

Answer

Positive pressure ventilation

Answer

Hydrocarbon inhalation

Question 4

Most common precipitant of Raynaud's phenomenon is

Accepted Answer

Exposure to cold

Answer

Exposure to heat

Answer

Psychosocial triggers

Answer

Exertion

Question 5

What is the main contraindication for performing a liver biopsy?

Accepted Answer

Severe coagulopathy

Answer

Severe thrombocytopenia

Answer

Liver hemangioma

Answer

Presence of ascites

Question 6

A patient presents with difficulty with swallowing liquids but not solids. The best investigation to make a diagnosis is

Accepted Answer

Manometry

Answer

Endoscopy

Answer

Endoscopic ultrasound

Answer

PET CT

Question 7

Which of the following is true about menetrier's disease

Accepted Answer

There is decreased gastric acid secretion

Answer

Atrophied mucosal folds are seen

Answer

It is premalignant condition

Answer

It causes increased gastric acid secretion

Question 8

A 55 years old male with a known history of gallstones presents with chief complaints of severe abdominal pain and elevated levels of serum lipase with periumbilical ecchymosis. All of the following are prognostic criteria to predict the severity of acute pancreatitis except:

Accepted Answer

Serum GGT

Answer

Serum LDH

Answer

Base deficit

Answer

Age

Question 9

A 45 year old lawyer presents with pain in the abdomen more so in the epigastric region that worsens with eating spicy food and is relieved by bending forward. Complications of the above mentioned condition could be all except:

Accepted Answer

Splenic Vein Thrombosis

Answer

Bleeding

Answer

Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Answer

Perforation

Question 10

Therapeutic phlebotomy is not done in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

CML

Answer

Polycythemia vera

Answer

Hemochromatosis

Answer

Porphyria cutanea tarda

NEET-PG 2015 — Internal Medicine