Endocrinology Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following statements about extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas is FALSE?

They constitute 50% of all pheochromocytomas.. **Explanation:** The correct answer is **A**. This statement is false because extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas (often referred to as **paragangliomas**) constitute only about **10–15%** of all pheochromocytomas in adults. The classic "Rule of 10s" for pheochromocytoma states that 10% are extra-adrenal, 10% are bilateral, 10% are malignant, and 10% occur in children (though modern genetics suggests these percentages are higher in hereditary cases). **Analysis of Options:** * **Option B (Urinary Bladder):** This is a classic site for extra-adrenal paragangliomas. A high-yield clinical sign is **micturition-induced syncope** or paroxysmal hypertension triggered by voiding, due to the release of catecholamines from the bladder wall tumor. * **Option C (Thorax):** Paragangliomas can occur in the posterior mediastinum, arising from the para-aortic sympathetic chain. * **Option D (Carotid Body):** The carotid body is a common site for head and neck paragangliomas. Unlike sympathetic paragangliomas, these are usually parasympathetic and often non-secretory (do not produce catecholamines). **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls:** * **Most common site:** The most common extra-adrenal site is the **Organ of Zuckerkandl** (located near the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery). * **Malignancy:** Extra-adrenal tumors have a **higher risk of malignancy** (up to 20-40%) compared to adrenal pheochromocytomas (10%). * **Genetics:** Extra-adrenal tumors are frequently associated with **SDHB mutations**. * **Diagnosis:** Initial screening is via plasma or urinary **metanephrines**. Localization is done via CT/MRI, followed by functional imaging like **123I-MIBG** or **68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT** [1].

Q: Hirsutism is caused by all of the following, EXCEPT:

Hyperthyroidism. Hirsutism is defined as the presence of terminal hair in females in a male-pattern distribution, primarily driven by an excess of androgens or increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens. **Why Hyperthyroidism is the Correct Answer:** Hyperthyroidism is **not** a cause of hirsutism. In fact, thyrotoxicosis is typically associated with **thinning of hair or alopecia** (diffuse hair loss) [1]. While thyroid hormones influence the hair cycle, they do not stimulate the conversion of vellus hair to terminal hair in androgen-sensitive areas. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Cushing’s Syndrome:** Excess cortisol production is often accompanied by increased adrenal androgens (especially in ACTH-dependent causes), leading to hirsutism, acne, and menstrual irregularities. * **Hyperprolactinemia:** Elevated prolactin levels can stimulate the adrenal cortex (specifically the zona fasciculata and reticularis) to produce excess Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), which leads to androgenic effects like hirsutism. * **Acromegaly:** Excess Growth Hormone (GH) and IGF-1 stimulate hair follicle growth directly and can also lead to insulin resistance, which decreases Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), thereby increasing free testosterone levels. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most common cause of hirsutism:** Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) [2]. * **Ferriman-Gallwey Score:** Used to clinically quantify hirsutism (Score ≥8 is significant). * **Drug-induced Hirsutism/Hypertrichosis:** Common culprits include Minoxidil, Cyclosporine, Phenytoin, and Anabolic steroids. * **Rapid onset hirsutism + Virilization:** Always suspect an androgen-secreting tumor (Adrenal or Ovarian).

Q: Obesity is seen in all of the following conditions EXCEPT?

Sipple syndrome. **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Sipple syndrome (Option D)**. **1. Why Sipple Syndrome is the Correct Answer:** Sipple syndrome, also known as **Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A)**, is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the triad of **Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)**, **Pheochromocytoma**, and **Parathyroid Hyperplasia**. Unlike the other options, Sipple syndrome is not associated with obesity. In fact, patients with pheochromocytoma often experience **weight loss** due to a hypermetabolic state induced by chronic catecholamine excess. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Cushing Syndrome:** Characterized by hypercortisolism, leading to **centripetal (trunkal) obesity**, "buffalo hump," and "moon facies" due to redistribution of adipose tissue. * **Pickwickian Syndrome (Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome):** Defined by the triad of obesity (BMI >30 kg/m²), daytime hypoventilation, and sleep-disordered breathing. Here, obesity is a core diagnostic criterion. * **Prader-Willi Syndrome:** A genetic disorder (deletion on chromosome 15q11-q13) characterized by hyperphagia (excessive appetite) leading to **early-onset morbid obesity**, short stature, and hypogonadism [1]. **3. Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **MEN 2A (Sipple):** MTC (100%), Pheochromocytoma (50%), Parathyroid Hyperplasia (20%). Associated with *RET* proto-oncogene mutations. * **MEN 2B (Wermer-like):** MTC, Pheochromocytoma, Mucosal neuromas, and Marfanoid habitus (not obesity). * **High-yield Obesity Syndromes:** Prader-Willi, Laurence-Moon-Biedl (Bardet-Biedl), Alstrom syndrome, and Frohlich syndrome (Adiposogenital dystrophy) [1].

Q: A combination of gynaecomastia, decreased serum testosterone and LH in a male patient is seen in:

Sertoli cell tumor. The clinical triad of **gynaecomastia, decreased testosterone, and decreased LH** indicates a state of secondary hypogonadism driven by estrogen excess. **Why Sertoli Cell Tumor is correct:** Sertoli cell tumors are rare sex cord-stromal tumors of the testis. These tumors often overexpress the enzyme **aromatase**, which converts androgens into **estrogens** (estradiol) [1]. 1. **Gynaecomastia:** High estrogen levels directly stimulate breast tissue [2]. 2. **Decreased LH:** Elevated estrogen exerts powerful **negative feedback** on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, suppressing the secretion of GnRH and LH [1]. 3. **Decreased Testosterone:** Low LH levels result in a lack of stimulation to the Leydig cells, leading to reduced endogenous testosterone production [1]. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Testicular Failure (Primary Hypogonadism):** Characterized by low testosterone but **elevated LH/FSH** (hypergonadotropic hypogonadism) due to the loss of negative feedback [1]. * **Gonadotrophins (Exogenous administration):** Administration of hCG (which mimics LH) would typically **increase** testosterone levels, not decrease them. * **Androgen Resistance State (e.g., AIS):** Caused by defective androgen receptors. This leads to **elevated LH** and **elevated testosterone** because the pituitary is "blind" to the feedback of circulating androgens. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Leydig Cell Tumors** are the most common sex cord-stromal tumors and can also cause gynaecomastia via similar mechanisms (increased aromatization). * **Feedback Loop:** Always check LH levels to differentiate between primary (High LH) and secondary (Low LH) hypogonadism [1]. * **Estrogen/Androgen Ratio:** Gynaecomastia is fundamentally caused by an increase in the ratio of free estrogen to effective androgens [2].

Q: Pseudo-Cushing syndrome is seen in which of the following conditions?

Chronic alcoholism. **Explanation:** **Pseudo-Cushing syndrome** refers to a clinical state where patients exhibit the physical features (cushingoid habitus) and biochemical evidence (elevated cortisol) of Cushing syndrome, but the underlying cause is not a primary pathology of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis [1]. 1. **Why Chronic Alcoholism is correct:** Chronic alcoholism is a classic cause of Pseudo-Cushing. Alcohol stimulates the HPA axis, leading to increased CRH secretion and subsequent hypercortisolemia. Additionally, impaired liver function in alcoholics reduces the clearance of cortisol. Other common causes include **major depression** and **morbid obesity**. 2. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Incidentaloma:** This refers to an asymptomatic adrenal mass found accidentally on imaging. While some may be secretory (Subclinical Cushing), they represent true adrenal pathology, not "pseudo" states. * **Adrenal Carcinoma:** This is a cause of **ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome** [2]. It involves autonomous, malignant production of cortisol [3]. * **Nelson Syndrome:** This occurs after bilateral adrenalectomy for Cushing disease. The loss of cortisol feedback leads to an aggressive ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma, causing hyperpigmentation, not Pseudo-Cushing. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Distinguishing Test:** The **Dexamethasone-CRH test** or the **Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT)** can help differentiate true Cushing from Pseudo-Cushing [1]. Patients with Pseudo-Cushing will show a normal GH and ACTH response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia, whereas those with true Cushing will not. * **Reversibility:** The biochemical abnormalities in Pseudo-Cushing typically resolve after 1–4 weeks of alcohol abstinence or treatment of the underlying depression.

Q: All of the following are associated with gigantism / acromegaly, except?

Mental Retardation. **Explanation:** Acromegaly (in adults) and Gigantism (in children) result from the excessive secretion of **Growth Hormone (GH)**, usually due to a pituitary adenoma [1]. **Why Mental Retardation is the Correct Answer:** Growth hormone excess does **not** cause cognitive impairment or mental retardation. In fact, patients with acromegaly typically have normal intelligence. Mental retardation is more commonly associated with endocrine deficiencies during development, such as **Congenital Hypothyroidism (Cretinism)**, rather than hormone excess. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Hyperhidrosis (B):** This is one of the most common early clinical signs. GH excess causes hypertrophy of sweat and sebaceous glands, leading to oily skin and excessive sweating. * **Visceromegaly (C):** GH stimulates the growth of internal organs via IGF-1 [1]. This leads to enlargement of the heart (cardiomegaly), liver (hepatomegaly), spleen (splenomegaly), and kidneys [4]. * **Impaired Glucose Tolerance (D):** GH is a "diabetogenic" hormone [3]. It antagonizes the action of insulin and increases hepatic glucose production [3]. Approximately 25-50% of patients develop impaired glucose tolerance or overt Diabetes Mellitus [2]. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Screening Test:** Serum IGF-1 levels (more stable than pulsatile GH) [2]. * **Confirmatory Test:** Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – failure to suppress GH below 1 ng/mL [2]. * **Most Common Cause of Death:** Cardiovascular disease (specifically dilated cardiomyopathy). * **Classic Sign:** "Spade-like hands" and increased hat/shoe size. * **Drug of Choice:** Transsphenoidal surgery (first-line); Somatostatin analogues (Octreotide) for medical management [2].

Q: Which of the following is true about secondary hyperparathyroidism?

All of the above. **Explanation:** Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) is a compensatory state where the parathyroid glands overproduce parathyroid hormone (PTH) in response to chronic hypocalcemia. **1. Why Option D is correct (Underlying Medical Concept):** In the context of **Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)**, which is the most common cause (Option A), the pathophysiology involves a triad of factors: * **Hyperphosphatemia (Option B):** Failing kidneys cannot excrete phosphate. Elevated serum phosphate directly stimulates PTH secretion and binds ionized calcium. * **Vitamin D Deficiency:** Kidneys lose the ability to convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D into its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (Calcitriol). This reduces intestinal calcium absorption [1]. * **Hypocalcemia (Option C):** The combination of phosphate binding and low calcitriol leads to low serum calcium [1]. The parathyroid glands sense this low calcium and high phosphate, leading to **hyperplasia** and increased PTH secretion to normalize calcium levels by mobilizing it from the bones. **2. Analysis of Options:** * **Option A:** CKD is the classic trigger; as GFR declines, sHPT becomes almost universal [1]. * **Option B:** High phosphate is a primary driver of PTH release and a hallmark of renal-induced sHPT [1]. * **Option C:** Unlike primary hyperparathyroidism (where calcium is high), secondary HPT is a response to **low/low-normal calcium** [1]. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism:** Occurs when long-standing sHPT leads to autonomous PTH secretion, resulting in **hypercalcemia** (often seen post-renal transplant). * **Radiology:** Look for "Rugger-jersey spine" and subperiosteal resorption of phalanges (Osteitis Fibrosa Cystica). * **Treatment:** Phosphate binders (Sevelamer), Vitamin D analogues (Calcitriol), and Calcimimetics (Cinacalcet).

Question 1

Males who are sexually underdeveloped with rudimentary testes and prostate glands, sparse pubic and facial hair, long arms and legs, and large hands and feet are likely to have which chromosome complement?

Accepted Answer

46, XXY

Answer

45, XYY

Answer

46, XY

Answer

46, X

Question 2

Which of the following statements about extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

They constitute 50% of all pheochromocytomas.

Answer

They may occur in the urinary bladder.

Answer

They may occur in the thorax.

Answer

They can involve the carotid body.

Question 3

What is the primary indication for ACE inhibitor use in patients with diabetes mellitus?

Accepted Answer

Both diabetic nephropathy and nephropathy unrelated to diabetes

Answer

Diabetic nephropathy

Answer

Nephropathy unrelated to diabetes

Answer

None of the above

Question 4

Hirsutism is caused by all of the following, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Cushing's syndrome

Answer

Hyperprolactinemia

Answer

Acromegaly

Question 5

Obesity is seen in all of the following conditions EXCEPT?

Accepted Answer

Sipple syndrome

Answer

Cushing syndrome

Answer

Pickwickian syndrome

Answer

Prader Willi syndrome

Question 6

A combination of gynaecomastia, decreased serum testosterone and LH in a male patient is seen in:

Accepted Answer

Sertoli cell tumor

Answer

Testicular failure

Answer

Gonadotrophins

Answer

Androgen resistance state

Question 7

Pseudo-Cushing syndrome is seen in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Chronic alcoholism

Answer

Incidentaloma

Answer

Adrenal carcinoma

Answer

Nelson syndrome

Question 8

A 30-year-old woman complains of headache, visual disturbances, deepening of the voice, and generalized weakness. She has amenorrhea for the past year and states that she recently required a larger shoe size. Laboratory studies show impaired glucose tolerance. What procedure would be most useful for establishing your diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

MRI of the sella turcica

Answer

Complete blood count with differential count

Answer

CT scan of the abdomen

Answer

Test for serum 21-hydroxylase

Question 9

All of the following are associated with gigantism / acromegaly, except?

Accepted Answer

Mental Retardation

Answer

Hyperhydrosis

Answer

Visceromegaly

Answer

Impaired Glucose Tolerance

Question 10

Which of the following is true about secondary hyperparathyroidism?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Commonly occurs in chronic renal failure

Answer

Related to hyperphosphatemia

Answer

Patients are generally hypocalcemic

Endocrinology — MCQs

Endocrinology — MCQs

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