NEET-PG 2015 - Pathology Practice Questions

Q: The tissue of origin of the Kaposi's sarcoma is

Vascular. ***Vascular*** - Kaposi's sarcoma originates from the **vascular tissue**, specifically from endothelial cells lining blood vessels [2]. - The lesions are characterized by **angiogenesis**, leading to the formation of vascular tumors with dilated endothelial cell-lined vascular spaces [1]. *Muscular* - Muscular tissue is involved in **voluntary** and **involuntary movements** but is not related to the etiology of Kaposi's sarcoma. - This condition does not arise from **muscle cells** or any muscular components. *Neural* - Neural tissue consists of **neurons** and **glial cells**, which are not implicated in Kaposi's sarcoma. - Kaposi's sarcoma does not originate from any **neural structures** or pathologies. *Lymphoid* - Lymphoid tissue primarily concerns the immune system, particularly the **lymphatic system**, and does not give rise to Kaposi's sarcoma. - This malignancy does not derive from **lymphoid components** like lymphocytes or lymph nodes. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, pp. 526-527. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Cardiovascular Disease, pp. 282-283.

Q: Basket weave appearance of glomerular basement membrane on electron microscopy is seen in

Alport syndrome. ***Alport syndrome*** - **Alport syndrome** is characterized by a "basket weave" appearance of the **glomerular basement membrane (GBM)** on electron microscopy due to irregular thickening, thinning, and splitting of the lamina densa. - This structural abnormality results from mutations in genes encoding **Type IV collagen**, particularly **COL4A5**, leading to progressive kidney disease, hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. *Polyarteritis nodosa* - This is a **necrotizing vasculitis** primarily affecting medium-sized arteries, and its renal involvement typically manifests as a focal or diffuse necrotizing glomerulonephritis, often without specific GBM changes. - The electron microscopic findings would generally show inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrinoid necrosis of vessel walls, not a characteristic GBM pattern. *Giant cell arteritis* - **Giant cell arteritis** is a vasculitis affecting large- and medium-sized arteries, typically in the elderly, and often involves the temporal arteries. - Renal involvement is rare, and the characteristic pathological finding is **granulomatous inflammation** within the arterial wall with giant cells, not GBM changes. *Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis* - This condition is characterized by **subepithelial immune deposits ("humps")** on electron microscopy, not a "basket weave" pattern of the GBM. - The GBM itself may show minor changes but does not exhibit the lamellated and split appearance seen in Alport syndrome.

Q: Which is a hormone dependent liver tumor?

Adenoma. ***Adenoma*** - Hepatic adenomas are **hormone-dependent tumors** commonly associated with conditions like **oral contraceptive use** and are influenced by estrogen [1]. - These tumors can present as **benign liver masses**, but they have a risk of hemorrhage and malignant transformation [1]. *Hepatocellular carcinoma* - This is a **malignant tumor** of the liver primarily associated with cirrhosis and chronic liver disease, not directly hormone-dependent. - Risk factors include **viral hepatitis** and **alcohol exposure**, rather than hormonal influences. *Hemangioma* - Liver hemangiomas are **vascular lesions** that are usually asymptomatic and are **not hormone-dependent**. - They are the most common benign liver tumors, often discovered incidentally during imaging. *Hemangiopericytoma* - A rare tumor, hemangiopericytoma originates from **pericytes** around blood vessels and is not specifically associated with liver tissue or hormones. - It can arise in various organs but lacks the dependency on hormones seen in hepatic adenomas. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, p. 874.

Q: Which of the following testicular tumours is NOT a germ cell tumour?

Sertoli cell tumour. ***Sertoli cell tumour*** - This is a **sex-cord stromal tumour**, not a germ cell tumour, hence it does not arise from germ cells. - Sertoli cell tumours typically present with abnormal hormone levels, but not the classic germ cell tumour markers. *Choriocarcinoma* - This is a **germ cell tumour** that is aggressive and associated with high levels of **beta-hCG** [1][2]. - It derives from the placental tissue and is characterized by **trophoblastic differentiation** [2]. *Seminoma* - A well-known type of **germ cell tumour**, often presenting as a **homogeneous testicular mass** [1]. - It usually manifests with elevated **LDH** and is associated with a more favorable prognosis compared to non-seminomatous germ cell tumours [1]. *Teratoma* - Teratomas are also classified as **germ cell tumours**, containing differentiated tissues like hair, muscle, and bone [1][2]. - They can be **mature** (benign) or **immature** (malignant), and are typically found in younger patients [2][3]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lower Urinary Tract and Male Genital System, pp. 979-980. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lower Urinary Tract and Male Genital System, pp. 982-983. [3] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 512-513.

Q: Plaques jaunes are seen in which condition?

Atherosclerosis. ***Head injury*** - **Plaques jaunes**, or yellow plaques, are primarily associated with brain injuries, particularly in areas of **contusion** or **hemorrhage** [1]. - These plaques may represent **lipid-laden macrophages** and indicate areas of *necrosis* and inflammation in the brain [1]. *Endocarditis* - Endocarditis is characterized by **vegetations** on heart valves rather than plaques in the brain. - Symptoms typically include **fever**, **murmurs**, and **embolization**, which do not involve yellow plaques. *Syphilis* - Syphilis may cause *gummatous lesions* but is not associated with yellow plaques in the brain. - Typical findings include **rash** and **ulcerative lesions**, particularly during the secondary stage. *Atherosclerosis* - Atherosclerosis involves **plaque formation** in blood vessels but these are not the same as **plaques jaunes** in neurological contexts. - It is characterized by **cholesterol** deposits and plaque rupture leading to cardiovascular events, not plaques seen in head injuries. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1262-1264.

Q: Alzheimer type II astrocytes are seen in which condition?

Hepatic encephalopathy. ***Hepatic encephalopathy*** - **Alzheimer type II astrocytes** are characteristic histological findings in cases of **hepatic encephalopathy**, reflecting the brain's response to elevated ammonia levels. - These astrocytes show enlarged, pale nuclei with prominent nucleoli and marginal chromatin, indicating cellular stress from metabolic dysfunction in the setting of liver failure. *Alzheimer's* - Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the presence of **neurofibrillary tangles** (tau protein) and **amyloid plaques** (beta-amyloid protein), not Alzheimer type II astrocytes. - Astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease may show reactive changes, but they do not typically manifest as the specific "Alzheimer type II" morphology. *Parkinsonism* - Parkinsonism is primarily characterized by the degeneration of **dopaminergic neurons** in the substantia nigra and the presence of **Lewy bodies** (alpha-synuclein aggregates). - While glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) do play a role in neuroinflammation in Parkinson's, they do not exhibit the specific Alzheimer type II astrocytic change. *Binswanger disease* - Binswanger disease is a form of **vascular dementia** characterized by diffuse white matter lesions due to chronic ischemia and damage to small cerebral blood vessels. - The pathology primarily involves demyelination and axonal loss in the white matter, with reactive gliosis, but not the specific changes seen in Alzheimer type II astrocytes.

Q: Which of the following statements about cross-matching of blood is false?

Donor serum is tested against recipient packed cells. ***Donor serum is tested against recipient packed cells*** - This statement is **FALSE** and describes a **minor crossmatch**, which is rarely performed in modern transfusion practice. - The minor crossmatch tests donor antibodies against recipient cells, but this is not standard practice because donor plasma is significantly diluted during transfusion, making clinically significant reactions rare. - Modern blood banking focuses on the **major crossmatch** as the critical safety measure. *Recipient serum is tested against donor packed cells* - This statement is **TRUE** and accurately describes the **major crossmatch**, which is the standard and most critical pre-transfusion compatibility test. - The major crossmatch detects antibodies in the recipient's serum that could react with donor red blood cell antigens, preventing potentially fatal hemolytic transfusion reactions. *Mandatory in all cases except emergency* - This statement is **TRUE**. Crossmatching is mandatory for safe transfusion practice. - In life-threatening emergencies where delay could be fatal, uncrossmatched O-negative (universal donor) blood may be given, but this is a rare exception. *Involves visible agglutination* - This statement is **TRUE**. A positive crossmatch indicating incompatibility is identified by **visible agglutination** or **hemolysis**. - These visible reactions occur when recipient antibodies bind to donor red blood cell antigens, signaling that transfusion would cause a severe reaction.

Q: What is the number of Barr bodies present in Klinefelter's syndrome?

1. ***1*** - **Klinefelter's syndrome** typically has a 47,XXY karyotype, meaning there are two X chromosomes [1]. - The number of Barr bodies is calculated as **N-1**, where N is the total number of X chromosomes. In this case, 2-1 = **1 Barr body** [1]. - This follows the principle that one X chromosome remains active while additional X chromosomes are inactivated [1]. *0* - **No Barr bodies** are found in individuals with a normal male karyotype (46,XY) or in Turner syndrome (45,XO), neither of which describes Klinefelter's syndrome [1]. - The presence of at least one Barr body indicates the presence of at least two X chromosomes. *2* - **Two Barr bodies** would be indicative of a karyotype with three X chromosomes (e.g., 47,XXX syndrome or Triple X syndrome), which is not Klinefelter's syndrome. - This calculation follows the N-1 rule: 3 X chromosomes - 1 = 2 Barr bodies. *3* - **Three Barr bodies** would correspond to a karyotype with four X chromosomes (e.g., 48,XXXX), which is an even rarer sex chromosome aneuploidy not associated with Klinefelter's syndrome. - The N-1 rule applies: 4 X chromosomes - 1 = 3 Barr bodies. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Genetic Disorders, pp. 173-174.

Q: Which of the following statements about MALToma is true?

H. Pylori infection is a known risk factor. ***H. Pylori infection is a risk factor*** - MALToma, or **mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma**, is often associated with chronic **H. Pylori infection**, making it a significant risk factor [1]. - **Eradication of H. Pylori** can lead to regression of MALT lymphoma, further supporting the association. *They are a type of T cell lymphoma* - MALToma is classified as a **B-cell lymphoma**, primarily arising from **marginal zone B cells** [1]. - T-cell lymphomas differ significantly in their **pathophysiology** and typical clinical presentations. *They are secondary gastric lymphomas* - MALTomas typically arise **primarily** in the gastric mucosa rather than as secondary lymphomas from another site [1]. - Secondary lymphomas are usually related to more aggressive forms and are often associated with **systemic involvement**. *Commonly seen in gastric cardia* - MALTomas are most frequently found in the **stomach** but are not specifically concentrated in the **gastric cardia** region. - They can also manifest in other areas such as the **antrum**, making this statement misleading. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Alimentary System Disease, pp. 356-358.

Q: In a patient presenting with gallbladder abnormalities, which condition is characterized by a speckled appearance of the gallbladder mucosa resembling a strawberry?

Cholesterolosis of the gallbladder. ***Cholesterolosis of the gallbladder*** - This condition is characterized by the accumulation of **cholesterol esters** and **triglycerides** within macrophages in the lamina propria of the gallbladder, creating a **speckled appearance** often referred to as a "**strawberry gallbladder**". - It is typically asymptomatic but can be associated with **cholelithiasis** (gallstones) in some cases. *Gangrene of the gallbladder* - This is a severe complication of **acute cholecystitis** where the gallbladder tissue dies due to **ischemia**, often appearing necrotic and dark, not speckled. - It presents with severe abdominal pain, fever, and signs of **sepsis**, which is distinct from a speckled appearance. *Porcelain gallbladder* - This condition involves **extensive calcification of the gallbladder wall**, making it brittle and rigid, and is often associated with an increased risk of gallbladder cancer. - Its appearance is typically hard and white due to calcification, not speckled like a strawberry. *Adenomatosis of the gallbladder* - This term is often used interchangeably with **adenomyomatosis**, which involves **hypertrophy of the muscularis propria** and **outpouchings of the mucosa** (Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses). - It presents as nodular or diffuse thickening of the gallbladder wall, not a speckled mucosal pattern.

Question 1

The tissue of origin of the Kaposi's sarcoma is

Accepted Answer

Vascular

Answer

Lymphoid

Answer

Neural

Answer

Muscular

Question 2

Basket weave appearance of glomerular basement membrane on electron microscopy is seen in

Accepted Answer

Alport syndrome

Answer

Polyarteritis nodosa

Answer

Giant cell arteritis

Answer

Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis

Question 3

Which is a hormone dependent liver tumor?

Accepted Answer

Adenoma

Answer

Hemangioma

Answer

Hepatocellular carcinoma

Answer

Hemangiopericytoma

Question 4

Which of the following testicular tumours is NOT a germ cell tumour?

Accepted Answer

Sertoli cell tumour

Answer

Seminoma

Answer

Teratoma

Answer

Choriocarcinoma

Question 5

Plaques jaunes are seen in which condition?

Accepted Answer

Atherosclerosis

Answer

Syphilis

Answer

Head injury

Answer

Endocarditis

Question 6

Alzheimer type II astrocytes are seen in which condition?

Accepted Answer

Hepatic encephalopathy

Answer

Parkinsonism

Answer

Alzheimer's

Answer

Binswanger disease

Question 7

Which of the following statements about cross-matching of blood is false?

Accepted Answer

Donor serum is tested against recipient packed cells

Answer

Mandatory in all cases except emergency

Answer

Involves visible agglutination

Answer

Recipient serum is tested against donor packed cells

Question 8

What is the number of Barr bodies present in Klinefelter's syndrome?

Accepted Answer

1

Answer

0

Answer

2

Answer

3

Question 9

Which of the following statements about MALToma is true?

Accepted Answer

H. Pylori infection is a known risk factor

Answer

They are primary gastric lymphomas

Answer

They are a type of T cell lymphoma

Answer

Exclusively seen in the gastric antrum

Question 10

In a patient presenting with gallbladder abnormalities, which condition is characterized by a speckled appearance of the gallbladder mucosa resembling a strawberry?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterolosis of the gallbladder

Answer

Gangrene of the gallbladder

Answer

Porcelain gallbladder

Answer

Adenomatosis of the gallbladder

NEET-PG 2015 — Pathology