Endocrinology — MCQs

A 33-year-old lady presents with polydipsia and polyuria. Her symptoms started soon after a road traffic accident 6 months ago. The blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg with no postural drop. The daily urinary output is 6-8 liters. Investigations showed Na 130 mEq/L, K 3.5 mEq/L, urea 15 mg/dL, sugar 65 mg/dL. The plasma osmolality is 268 mosmol/L and urine osmolality 45 mosmol/L. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Q187Medium

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for metabolic syndrome?

Q188Easy

Dilutional hyponatremia is seen in which of the following conditions?

Q189Easy

Which of the following is typically seen in Addison's crisis?

Q190Easy

Polyglandular syndrome (Schmidt syndrome) is associated with adrenocortical deficiency and which of the following conditions?

Endocrinology Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 181: In relation to type 1A Diabetes Mellitus, what characterizes the honeymoon period?

A. Glycemic control achieved by oral hypoglycemic agents
B. Insulin requirement is nil or modest (Correct Answer)
C. Weight gain after insulin treatment
D. Weight loss after insulin treatment

Explanation: ### Explanation **The Medical Concept:** The "Honeymoon Period" (or partial remission phase) in Type 1A Diabetes Mellitus occurs shortly after the initiation of insulin therapy. It is characterized by a temporary recovery of the remaining beta-cell function. When exogenous insulin is started, it relieves "glucotoxicity," allowing the surviving beta cells to rest and resume endogenous insulin secretion. During this phase, blood glucose levels stabilize, and the patient’s **exogenous insulin requirement drops significantly (nil or <0.5 units/kg/day)** [1]. **Analysis of Options:** * **Option B (Correct):** During this phase, the endogenous insulin production is sufficient enough that the patient requires very little or no external insulin to maintain euglycemia. * **Option A (Incorrect):** Type 1A DM is characterized by absolute insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction. Oral hypoglycemic agents (like Sulfonylureas) are ineffective and not indicated, as the underlying pathology is not insulin resistance but a lack of insulin production [1]. * **Option C & D (Incorrect):** While weight gain can occur after starting insulin (due to the reversal of the catabolic state and osmotic diuresis), it is not the defining characteristic of the honeymoon period. The hallmark is the reduction in insulin dosage. **High-Yield Facts for NEET-PG:** * **Duration:** The honeymoon period typically starts within weeks of diagnosis and can last from a few months to 2 years. * **C-peptide:** During this phase, C-peptide levels (a marker of endogenous insulin) may temporarily rise. * **Clinical Warning:** It is vital to counsel patients that this is **not a cure**. Beta-cell destruction continues, and insulin requirements will eventually increase as the remaining beta-cell mass is exhausted. * **Diagnosis:** Type 1A is immune-mediated (GAD65, IA-2, or ZnT8 antibodies), whereas Type 1B is idiopathic.

Question 182: A middle-aged man presents with complaints of weakness, fatigue, and hyperpigmentation. On examination, hepatomegaly and hypoglycemia are present. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Addison's disease
B. Hemochromatosis (Correct Answer)
C. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
D. Cushing's syndrome

Explanation: The clinical presentation of **hyperpigmentation** and **hepatomegaly** in a middle-aged man is a classic "red flag" for **Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH)** [1]. **Why Hemochromatosis is correct:** Hemochromatosis is a disorder of iron overload where excess iron deposits in various organs. * **Hyperpigmentation:** Often called "Bronze Diabetes," this occurs due to iron deposition in the skin and increased melanin production [1]. * **Hepatomegaly:** The liver is the primary site of iron storage; chronic deposition leads to hepatomegaly, cirrhosis, and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma [1]. Liver biopsy allows assessment of fibrosis and distribution of iron (hepatocyte iron characteristic of haemochromatosis) [2]. * **Hypoglycemia:** While HH typically causes diabetes (due to pancreatic damage), **hypoglycemia** can occur in the late stages if there is significant **liver failure** (impaired gluconeogenesis/glycogenolysis) or associated adrenal insufficiency (iron deposition in the pituitary or adrenals). **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Addison’s Disease:** While it causes hyperpigmentation and hypoglycemia, it is characterized by **adrenal atrophy**, not hepatomegaly. * **IDDM:** Presents with hyperglycemia (polyuria, polydipsia), not hypoglycemia or hepatomegaly. * **Cushing’s Syndrome:** Presents with weight gain, hypertension, and **hyperglycemia**, typically without hyperpigmentation (unless ACTH-dependent) or hepatomegaly. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Triad of Hemochromatosis:** Cirrhosis, Diabetes Mellitus, and Skin Pigmentation ("Bronze Diabetes") [1]. * **Most common mutation:** HFE gene (C282Y) [1]. * **Diagnosis:** Best initial test is **Transferrin Saturation** (>45%); Gold standard is Liver Biopsy (Prussian Blue stain) [2]. * **Treatment:** Therapeutic phlebotomy is the mainstay of management [2].

Question 183: Endocrine causes for hypertension are all the following except?

A. Cushing's syndrome
B. Hypopituitarism (Correct Answer)
C. Hyperaldosteronism
D. Gigantism

Explanation: **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Hypopituitarism**. In endocrine pathology, hypertension is typically associated with the **excess** of specific hormones, whereas **hypopituitarism** (a deficiency of pituitary hormones) generally leads to **hypotension**. This occurs due to the secondary deficiency of cortisol (lack of ACTH) and thyroid hormones (lack of TSH), both of which are essential for maintaining vascular tone and cardiac output. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Cushing’s Syndrome:** Excess cortisol causes hypertension through multiple mechanisms: increased mineralocorticoid activity, enhanced sensitivity to catecholamines, and activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS). * **Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome):** Primary excess of aldosterone leads to direct sodium and water retention and potassium depletion, significantly increasing systemic blood pressure. * **Gigantism/Acromegaly:** Excess Growth Hormone (GH) causes sodium retention and expansion of extracellular fluid volume. Chronic GH excess also leads to concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and increased peripheral vascular resistance. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Pheochromocytoma** is the "classic" endocrine cause of paroxysmal hypertension (Rule of 10s). * **Hypothyroidism** typically causes **diastolic** hypertension (due to increased systemic vascular resistance). * **Hyperthyroidism** typically causes **systolic** hypertension (due to increased stroke volume and heart rate). * **Hyperparathyroidism** is also associated with hypertension, likely due to the direct effects of hypercalcemia on vascular smooth muscle.

Question 184: What is the appropriate treatment for a 42-year-old obese male presenting with a blood glucose of 450 mg/dL, urine albumin 2+, urine sugar 4+, and urine ketones 1+?

A. Insulin (Correct Answer)
B. Glibenclamide
C. Glipizide
D. Metformin

Explanation: **Explanation:** The patient presents with severe hyperglycemia (450 mg/dL) and **ketonuria** (urine ketones 1+). In the context of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, the presence of ketonuria—even if mild—indicates a state of significant insulin deficiency or glucose toxicity [1]. According to standard clinical guidelines (ADA/RSSDI), **Insulin** is the treatment of choice in the following scenarios: 1. **Severe Hyperglycemia:** Blood glucose ≥300 mg/dL or HbA1c >10%. 2. **Ketonuria/Ketoacidosis:** Presence of ketones signifies the need for immediate glycemic control that oral agents cannot provide [2]. 3. **Symptomatic Presentation:** Significant weight loss, polyuria, or polydipsia [1]. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Glibenclamide & Glipizide (Sulfonylureas):** These are secretagogues that require functional beta cells. In a state of glucose toxicity (glucose >300 mg/dL), beta cells are "stunned," making these drugs ineffective in the acute phase. Hypoglycemia is a known side effect of these drugs [3]. * **Metformin:** While the first-line drug for obese Type 2 diabetics, it is contraindicated in patients with significant ketosis or acute metabolic instability due to the risk of lactic acidosis and its slow onset of action. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Glucose Toxicity:** High glucose levels paradoxically inhibit insulin secretion. Insulin therapy "breaks" this cycle, after which the patient may potentially be transitioned back to oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs). * **Urine Albumin 2+:** Suggests underlying diabetic nephropathy; however, the immediate priority is stabilizing the metabolic state. * **Management Priority:** In any diabetic patient with ketosis or suspected DKA/HHS, **Insulin** is always the definitive answer over OHAs [2].

Question 185: What is the Somogyi effect?

A. Morning hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance.
B. Morning hyperglycemia due to excessive insulin dosage. (Correct Answer)
C. Morning hypoglycemia due to excessive insulin dosage.
D. Evening hypoglycemia due to insulin resistance.

Explanation: ### Explanation The **Somogyi effect** (also known as "rebound hyperglycemia") is a physiological response to untreated nocturnal hypoglycemia. **1. Why Option B is Correct:** The phenomenon occurs when a patient receives an **excessive dose of evening insulin**. This leads to an undetected dip in blood glucose levels during the middle of the night (usually between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM). In response to this hypoglycemia, the body triggers a massive release of **counter-regulatory hormones** (glucagon, epinephrine, cortisol, and growth hormone) [1]. These hormones stimulate gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis [3], causing the blood glucose to "rebound" to high levels by the morning. Thus, the clinical presentation is **morning hyperglycemia** caused by **too much insulin** the night before. **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option A:** This describes the **Dawn Phenomenon**, where morning hyperglycemia occurs due to the natural circadian surge of growth hormone and cortisol without preceding hypoglycemia. * **Option C:** While excessive insulin causes nocturnal hypoglycemia, the Somogyi effect specifically refers to the *resultant* hyperglycemic rebound seen in the morning. * **Option D:** This is physiologically inaccurate; insulin resistance typically leads to hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. **3. NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **The Diagnostic Test:** To differentiate Somogyi from the Dawn Phenomenon, the patient must check their blood glucose at **3:00 AM**. [2] * **Low 3 AM glucose** = Somogyi Effect. * **High/Normal 3 AM glucose** = Dawn Phenomenon. * **Management:** For the Somogyi effect, the treatment is to **decrease the evening insulin dose** or provide a bedtime snack. * **Mnemonic:** "S" for Somogyi = "**S**o much insulin" or "**S**ipping" (dipping) at 3 AM.

Question 186: A 33-year-old lady presents with polydipsia and polyuria. Her symptoms started soon after a road traffic accident 6 months ago. The blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg with no postural drop. The daily urinary output is 6-8 liters. Investigations showed Na 130 mEq/L, K 3.5 mEq/L, urea 15 mg/dL, sugar 65 mg/dL. The plasma osmolality is 268 mosmol/L and urine osmolality 45 mosmol/L. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Central diabetes insipidus
B. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
C. Resolving acute tubular necrosis
D. Psychogenic polydipsia (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ### Explanation The clinical presentation of polyuria and polydipsia requires a systematic approach to differentiate between **Diabetes Insipidus (DI)** and **Primary Polydipsia (Psychogenic Polydipsia)**. **1. Why Psychogenic Polydipsia is correct:** The key to this diagnosis lies in the **Plasma Osmolality** and **Serum Sodium**. [1] * **Plasma Osmolality:** The patient has a low plasma osmolality (268 mOsm/kg; Normal: 280–295). [2] * **Serum Sodium:** The sodium is low (130 mEq/L; Normal: 135–145). [3] In Psychogenic Polydipsia, excessive water intake leads to hemodilution, resulting in **hyponatremia** and **low plasma osmolality**. [2], [3] The kidneys respond appropriately by suppressing ADH, leading to maximally dilute urine (Urine Osmolality <100 mOsm/kg, here it is 45). **2. Why other options are incorrect:** * **Central & Nephrogenic DI:** In DI, there is either a lack of ADH or resistance to it. This leads to excessive water loss, which causes **hypernatremia** (Na >145) and **high plasma osmolality** (>295 mOsm/kg). This patient’s low sodium and low osmolality rule out DI. [2] * **Resolving ATN:** While the polyuric phase of ATN causes high urine output, it typically occurs days after an acute kidney injury, not 6 months later, and would not present with such extreme urinary dilution (45 mOsm/kg). **3. NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **The "Gold Standard" Test:** To differentiate these conditions, perform a **Water Deprivation Test**. [1], [2] * **Response in Psychogenic Polydipsia:** During water deprivation, the plasma osmolality will rise toward normal, and the urine osmolality will increase (usually >600 mOsm/kg) as endogenous ADH is released. [2] * **Trauma Link:** While head trauma often causes Central DI, it can also trigger behavioral changes or be a distractor in questions. Always prioritize the **biochemical values** (Na and Osmolality) over the history. * **Key Differentiator:** * Low Na + Low Plasma Osmolality = **Psychogenic Polydipsia**. [2], [3] * High Na + High Plasma Osmolality = **Diabetes Insipidus**. [2]

Question 187: Which of the following is NOT a criterion for metabolic syndrome?

A. Triglycerides > 150 mg/dL
B. Fasting blood glucose between 100-125 mg/dL (Correct Answer)
C. HDL cholesterol < 50 mg/dL in women or < 40 mg/dL in men
D. Waist circumference > 88 cm in women or > 102 cm in men

Explanation: The diagnosis of **Metabolic Syndrome** (also known as Syndrome X or Insulin Resistance Syndrome) is primarily based on the **NCEP ATP III criteria** (modified). To diagnose the syndrome, at least **three out of five** specific criteria must be met. ### Why Option B is the Correct Answer The criterion for hyperglycemia in metabolic syndrome is a **Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) ≥ 100 mg/dL** (which includes both impaired fasting glucose and overt Diabetes Mellitus) **OR** being on medical treatment for elevated glucose [1]. Option B specifies a range (100–125 mg/dL); while this range falls under the definition, it is **not the threshold criterion**. Any value ≥ 100 mg/dL qualifies, making the specific range "100-125" technically incorrect as a formal definition [1]. ### Analysis of Other Options * **Option A (Triglycerides > 150 mg/dL):** This is a standard criterion. Hypertriglyceridemia (≥ 150 mg/dL) or being on treatment for the same is a core component. * **Option C (HDL < 50 mg/dL in women or < 40 mg/dL in men):** Low HDL is a major cardiovascular risk factor and a formal criterion. * **Option D (Waist Circumference > 88 cm in women or > 102 cm in men):** These are the standard NCEP ATP III cut-offs for abdominal obesity. ### NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls 1. **Blood Pressure:** The threshold for metabolic syndrome is **≥ 130/85 mmHg** (Note: This is lower than the 140/90 threshold for diagnosing Hypertension). 2. **Ethnic Variations:** For **South Asians (Indians)**, the waist circumference cut-offs are lower: **> 90 cm in men** and **> 80 cm in women** (IDF criteria). 3. **Core Pathophysiology:** Insulin resistance and visceral obesity are the central drivers of this syndrome [2]. 4. **Prognosis:** Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of Type 2 Diabetes by 5-fold and Cardiovascular Disease by 2-fold [1].

Question 188: Dilutional hyponatremia is seen in which of the following conditions?

A. Addison's disease
B. Diabetes insipidus
C. Diuretic therapy
D. None of the above (Correct Answer)

Explanation: **Explanation:** **Understanding Dilutional Hyponatremia** Dilutional hyponatremia occurs when there is an excess of total body water relative to sodium, typically due to impaired water excretion. The classic example is **SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone)**, where excessive ADH leads to water retention and a "diluted" serum sodium level despite normal or slightly increased ECF volume [1]. **Analysis of Options:** * **Addison’s Disease (Option A):** This causes **depletional hyponatremia** [1]. Mineralocorticoid deficiency leads to renal sodium wasting (urinary loss). While ADH may rise secondary to hypovolemia, the primary driver is the loss of solute (sodium), not just the gain of water. * **Diabetes Insipidus (Option B):** This condition is characterized by a deficiency of ADH (Central) or resistance to it (Nephrogenic). This leads to massive polyuria (water loss), resulting in **hypernatremia**, not hyponatremia. * **Diuretic Therapy (Option C):** Thiazides and loop diuretics cause hyponatremia primarily through the **depletion** of sodium and potassium in the urine [1]. While thiazides can sometimes mimic SIADH-like water retention, they are fundamentally classified as causes of depletional hyponatremia due to the direct inhibition of sodium reabsorption. **Conclusion:** Since none of the listed conditions are primary examples of dilutional hyponatremia (like SIADH, CHF, or Cirrhosis), **Option D** is correct. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **SIADH:** The prototype for **Euvolemic Dilutional Hyponatremia** [1]. * **Edematous states (CHF/Cirrhosis):** Cause **Hypervolemic Dilutional Hyponatremia** due to low effective arterial blood volume triggering ADH [1]. * **Thiazides vs. Loop Diuretics:** Thiazides are more commonly associated with hyponatremia because they do not interfere with the medullary concentration gradient, allowing ADH to continue functioning.

Question 189: Which of the following is typically seen in Addison's crisis?

A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyperkalemia (Correct Answer)
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Hypertension

Explanation: Addisonian crisis (acute adrenal insufficiency) is a medical emergency caused by a severe deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone. The correct answer is **Hyperkalemia** due to the lack of aldosterone [4]. **1. Why Hyperkalemia is correct:** Aldosterone normally acts on the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts of the kidney to reabsorb sodium and water while excreting potassium and hydrogen ions [4]. In an Addisonian crisis, the absence of aldosterone leads to impaired potassium excretion, resulting in **hyperkalemia** and metabolic acidosis [4]. **2. Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Hypernatremia (A):** Incorrect. Due to the lack of aldosterone, there is "salt wasting" (loss of sodium in urine), leading to **hyponatremia**, not hypernatremia. * **Hyperglycemia (C):** Incorrect. Cortisol is a counter-regulatory hormone that promotes gluconeogenesis. Its deficiency leads to **hypoglycemia**. * **Hypertension (D):** Incorrect. The combination of mineralocorticoid deficiency (volume depletion) and glucocorticoid deficiency (decreased vascular tone) leads to severe **hypotension** and shock. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **The "Classic Trio":** Hyponatremia, Hyperkalemia, and Hypoglycemia. * **Most common cause:** Sudden withdrawal of long-term steroid therapy (Secondary) [3] or autoimmune destruction (Primary/Addison’s) [1]. * **Immediate Management:** Do not wait for lab results. Administer **IV Hydrocortisone** (100mg bolus) and aggressive fluid resuscitation with **Normal Saline (0.9%)** [2]. * **Diagnosis:** The gold standard is the **ACTH Stimulation Test** (Cosyntropin test). In primary insufficiency, cortisol fails to rise [2].

Question 190: Polyglandular syndrome (Schmidt syndrome) is associated with adrenocortical deficiency and which of the following conditions?

A. Graves disease (Correct Answer)
B. Hypoparathyroidism
C. Hashimoto's thyroiditis
D. Islet cell adenoma

Explanation: **Explanation:** **Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 2 (APS-2)**, also known as **Schmidt Syndrome**, is a rare polyendocrine disorder characterized by the mandatory presence of **Addison’s disease** (primary adrenal insufficiency) combined with **Autoimmune Thyroid Disease** and/or **Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus** [1]. 1. **Why Graves Disease is correct:** While Schmidt syndrome is most commonly associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the definition encompasses *any* autoimmune thyroid disease. Therefore, **Graves disease** is a recognized component of the syndrome [1]. In the context of this specific question (often sourced from standard textbooks like Harrison's), Graves disease is the preferred answer to distinguish APS-2 from APS-1. 2. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Hypoparathyroidism:** This is a hallmark of **APS-1** (along with Mucocutaneous Candidiasis and Addison’s), not APS-2. * **Hashimoto's thyroiditis:** While frequently associated with Schmidt syndrome, in many standardized MCQ formats for NEET-PG, Graves is specifically tested to ensure the student understands the breadth of "Autoimmune Thyroid Disease" in APS-2. (Note: If both are options, APS-2 is classically Addison's + Hashimoto's, but Graves is a valid clinical component). * **Islet cell adenoma:** This is a feature of **MEN-1** (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia), not an autoimmune polyglandular syndrome. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **APS Type 1 (Whitaker Syndrome):** Triad of Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis, Hypoparathyroidism, and Addison’s disease. Caused by **AIRE gene** mutation. * **APS Type 2 (Schmidt Syndrome):** Associated with **HLA-DR3/DR4**. It typically presents in adulthood (3rd–4th decade). * **Clinical Caution:** In a patient with Schmidt syndrome, always treat the adrenal insufficiency with glucocorticoids *before* starting thyroxine for thyroid disease to avoid precipitating an acute adrenal crisis.

Practice by Chapter

Diabetes Mellitus

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Thyroid Disorders

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Adrenal Gland Disorders

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Pituitary Disorders

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Calcium and Bone Metabolism

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Reproductive Endocrinology

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Lipid Disorders

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Endocrine Hypertension

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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia

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Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

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Neuroendocrine Tumors

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Endocrine Emergencies

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