Gastroenterology Practice Questions

Q: A 67-year-old woman complains of paresthesias in the limbs. Examination shows loss of vibratory sense, positional sense, and sense of light touch in the lower limbs. She is found to have pernicious anemia. Endoscopy reveals an ulcer in the body of the stomach. What vitamin deficiency does she most likely have?

Cancer of the stomach. **Cancer of the stomach** - The presence of **pernicious anemia** with an **ulcer in the body of the stomach** in an elderly patient suggests an increased risk of **gastric adenocarcinoma** [2]. - **Atrophic gastritis** associated with pernicious anemia is a **precursor lesion** for gastric cancer, and a stomach ulcer in this context warrants suspicion for malignancy [2]. *Chronic atrophic gastritis* - While **chronic atrophic gastritis** is the underlying cause of pernicious anemia, the question specifies an **ulcer in the body of the stomach** [3]. - An ulcer in the setting of atrophic gastritis should raise concern for **malignancy**, especially in an older patient, rather than just chronic inflammation [2]. *Gastric sarcoma* - **Gastric sarcomas** are mesenchymal tumors of the stomach, which are **rare** compared to gastric adenocarcinomas. - While they can present as ulcers, the strong association with **pernicious anemia** points more directly towards adenocarcinoma. *Deficiency of vitamin B12* - The patient clearly has **vitamin B12 deficiency** due to pernicious anemia, which explains the neurological symptoms like **paresthesias** and loss of vibratory/positional sense [1]. - However, the question asks what new pathology is suggested by the **ulcer in the stomach body** given the underlying pernicious anemia, rather than about the deficiency itself.

Q: A 60-year-old male presents with hypotension (90/50 mm Hg), tachycardia (100 beats per minute), and a history of hypertension and coronary artery disease. He has been passing black, tarry stools while on aspirin, atenolol, and sorbitrate. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Gastric ulcer with bleeding. ***Gastric ulcer with bleeding*** - The patient's presentation with **hypotension** and **tachycardia** indicates **hypovolemia**, which is consistent with significant blood loss [1]. - **Black, tarry stools (melena)** are a classic sign of **upper gastrointestinal bleeding**, often originating from a gastric ulcer, especially given the patient's use of **aspirin**, a known risk factor [1]. *Acute MI with cardiogenic shock* - While the patient has a history of coronary artery disease, **cardiogenic shock** would typically present with signs of **poor tissue perfusion** secondary to pump failure, not primarily with melena [2]. - Melena is not a typical symptom of myocardial infarction itself, though GI bleeding can exacerbate cardiac ischemia [1]. *Acute CVA* - An **acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA)** would present with focal neurological deficits, such as hemiparesis, aphasia, or vision changes. - The patient's symptoms of melena, hypotension, and tachycardia are not characteristic of a CVA [1]. *Pulmonary embolism* - A **pulmonary embolism (PE)** typically presents with acute onset of **dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain**, and sometimes hemoptysis. - While it can cause hypotension and tachycardia, **melena is not a symptom** of pulmonary embolism.

Q: A 45-year-old man is complaining of vomiting, with vomitus consisting of food mass taken a few days back, foul-smelling breath, and occasional dysphagia to solid food. What is the diagnosis?

Zenker's diverticulum. ***Zenker's diverticulum*** - The classic presentation includes **halitosis** (foul-smelling breath), **regurgitation of undigested food** eaten days prior, and **dysphagia to solids**, all consistent with food accumulation in a pharyngeal pouch [1]. - This condition is an **outpouching of the posterior pharyngeal wall** (false diverticulum) due to herniation of mucosa through Killian's triangle. *Scleroderma* - While it can cause **dysphagia**, the primary mechanism is **esophageal dysmotility with impaired peristalsis** and lower esophageal sphincter incompetence, leading to heartburn and strictures [1]. - It does not typically cause food regurgitation from days prior or significant halitosis in the absence of severe reflux. *Achalasia cardia* - Characterized by **dysphagia to both solids and liquids**, and regurgitation of food, but the food is typically recently ingested, not from several days prior [1]. - The underlying pathology is **failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax** and loss of esophageal peristalsis, leading to esophageal dilation [1]. *Diabetic gastroparesis* - Involves **delayed gastric emptying** due to autonomic neuropathy, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, early satiety, and bloating. - The vomiting would be of recently ingested food and would not typically include food eaten "days back" or present with significant dysphagia localized to the pharynx unless complications arise.

Q: Which specific condition is a significant risk factor associated with cholangiocarcinoma?

Primary sclerosing cholangitis. ***Primary sclerosing cholangitis*** - **Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)** is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and stricturing of the bile ducts, which significantly increases the risk of **cholangiocarcinoma** [1]. - Up to 10-15% of patients with PSC will develop cholangiocarcinoma, making it the most significant risk factor for this malignancy. *Obesity* - While **obesity** is a risk factor for several cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer, its direct association with cholangiocarcinoma is less significant compared to PSC. - Obesity is more broadly linked to conditions like **non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)** and metabolic syndrome, which can indirectly contribute to liver disease. *Salmonella carrier state* - Chronic **Salmonella carrier state** has been identified as a risk factor for **gallbladder cancer**, particularly in endemic areas. - However, its association with **cholangiocarcinoma**, which arises from the bile ducts, is not as strong or specific as that of PSC. *HBV infection* - **Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection** is a well-established major risk factor for **hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)**, a primary liver cancer. - While chronic liver inflammation from HBV can increase the risk of other liver-related complications, its direct and significant association with **cholangiocarcinoma** is not as prominent as with HCC.

Q: Increased gastrin is seen in what conditions?

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. ***Zollinger-Ellison syndrome*** - This syndrome is characterized by a **gastrin-secreting tumor (gastrinoma)**, often located in the pancreas or duodenum [1]. - The excess gastrin leads to **hypersecretion of gastric acid**, causing severe and refractory peptic ulcers [1]. *Iron deficiency anaemia* - While iron deficiency may occur due to **chronic blood loss from peptic ulcers** [3], it does not directly cause increased gastrin levels. - Gastrin plays no direct role in **iron absorption** or red blood cell production. *Duodenal ulcer* - Duodenal ulcers are typically caused by **Helicobacter pylori infection** or NSAID use and involve normal or slightly elevated gastrin levels, not significantly increased levels [2]. - Increased gastrin levels are a cause of severe duodenal ulcers in conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, rather than a symptom of a typical duodenal ulcer [1]. *Gastric cancer* - Gastric cancer is not typically associated with **elevated gastrin levels**; in fact, some forms, like atrophic gastritis preceding cancer, can lead to decreased acid production and reactive hypergastrinemia, but it's not a primary feature the way it is in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome [1]. - The main focus for this question is a primary and significant increase in gastrin, which gastric cancer does not directly cause.

Q: What is the treatment of choice in duodenal ulcer without any complications of hemorrhage?

Proton pump inhibitors. ***Proton pump inhibitors*** - **Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)** are the first-line and most effective treatment for uncomplicated duodenal ulcers due to their potent and sustained acid suppression [1]. - They work by irreversibly inhibiting the **H+/K+-ATPase pump** in the stomach's parietal cells, reducing acid secretion and allowing the ulcer to heal [1]. *Highly selective vagotomy* - This is a surgical procedure that was historically used to reduce acid secretion by denervating the acid-producing parietal cells of the stomach, but it is **not the primary treatment** for uncomplicated ulcers today due to the availability of effective medical therapy [1]. - It carries surgical risks and is generally reserved for **refractory cases** or those with complications not amenable to endoscopic or medical management [1]. *Trunkal vagotomy* - **Trunkal vagotomy** involves cutting the main vagal trunks, which leads to significant side effects such as **gastric stasis** (delayed emptying) and diarrhea, often requiring a drainage procedure (e.g., pyloroplasty). - It was used in the past but is **rarely performed** for uncomplicated duodenal ulcers due to its associated morbidity and the effectiveness of modern medical treatments [1]. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **proton pump inhibitors** are indeed a highly effective and standard treatment for uncomplicated duodenal ulcers [1].

Q: Which of the following variables is least predictive of 6-week mortality?

Age > 50. ***Age > 50*** - While older age is generally associated with increased risk, **age alone is a less specific predictor** of acute 6-week mortality compared to markers of severe liver dysfunction or clinical complications. - The impact of age is often mediated by the presence of comorbidities or the severity of the underlying liver disease itself. *Child-Pugh class C* - **Child-Pugh Class C** indicates severe liver dysfunction, characterized by significant ascites, encephalopathy, and abnormal coagulation. [1] - It is a strong predictor of **short-term mortality** (including 6-week mortality) due to the profound impact of extensive liver failure. [1] *MELD score > 18* - A **MELD score > 18** reflects severe liver disease based on bilirubin, creatinine, and INR, indicating significant hepatic and renal impairment. [1] - This score is directly correlated with **increased mortality risk** and is widely used for prioritizing liver transplant candidates. [1] *Early rebleeding* - **Early rebleeding** after an initial variceal bleed is a major complication that significantly increases the risk of **short-term mortality**. [1] - It is a critical post-hemorrhage event often leading to further hemodynamic instability, aspiration, and hepatic decompensation. [1]

Q: Which of the following vitamin deficiencies is seen in short bowel syndrome?

Vitamin B 12. ### Vitamin B 12 - **Short bowel syndrome (SBS)** often leads to **malabsorption** of vitamin B12, particularly if the **terminal ileum**—the primary site of B12 absorption—is affected or resected [2]. - **Vitamin B12 deficiency** can result in **megaloblastic anemia** and neurological complications [1]. *Vitamin K* - While **fat-soluble vitamins** can be malabsorbed in SBS due to **fat malabsorption**, **vitamin K deficiency** is less common than B12 deficiency unless there is significant **cholestasis** or extensive small bowel resection affecting bile salt absorption [3]. - **Vitamin K** is also synthesized by **gut bacteria**, which might partially compensate for dietary malabsorption in some cases. *Vitamin A* - **Vitamin A** is a **fat-soluble vitamin** that can be malabsorbed in SBS, especially in patients with significant **fat malabsorption** [3]. - However, **vitamin B12 deficiency** is a more universal and severe concern in many SBS patients and directly relates to the specific absorption site in the **terminal ileum** [2]. *Vitamin D* - **Vitamin D** is also a **fat-soluble vitamin**, and its malabsorption is common in SBS due to **steatorrhea** and reduced absorption surface [3]. - While important, the question asks for "the" most likely deficiency, and **vitamin B12** is particularly vulnerable due to its specific intestinal absorption site being frequently affected in SBS [2].

Q: What is the leading cause of death in patients with Crohn's disease?

Thromboembolic complication. ***Thromboembolic complication*** - Patients with **Crohn's disease** have a significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism, including **deep vein thrombosis** and **pulmonary embolism**, due to chronic inflammation and hypercoagulability [2]. - This risk is compounded by factors such as immobility, surgery, and certain medications used to treat Crohn's [2]. *Sepsis* - While **sepsis** is a potential complication in Crohn's disease, particularly in cases of bowel perforation or severe infection, it is not the leading cause of death [1]. - Severe inflammation and compromised bowel integrity can lead to bacterial translocation and systemic infection. *Electrolyte disturbance* - **Electrolyte disturbances** can occur due to severe diarrhea, malabsorption, or fistulas in Crohn's disease but are generally manageable with appropriate medical intervention [1]. - They are rarely a direct cause of mortality unless extremely severe and left untreated. *Malignancy* - Patients with Crohn's disease have an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly **colorectal cancer** and **small bowel adenocarcinoma**, but **thromboembolic events** remain the leading cause of death overall [1]. - The risk of malignancy is often related to the duration and extent of inflammation [1].

Question 1

A 50-year-old gynecologist complains of dysphagia, regurgitation, and weight loss, and reports feeling as if food is stuck at the level of the xiphoid. An upright chest X-ray shows a dilated esophagus with an air-fluid level. Which of the following statements is false regarding achalasia?

Accepted Answer

Upper endoscopy should be avoided because of the risk of complications.

Answer

Medical treatment includes nitrates and calcium channel blockers.

Answer

A barium swallow will show a "bird's beak" deformity

Answer

Manometry will demonstrate that the LES fails to relax during swallowing.

Question 2

A 67-year-old woman complains of paresthesias in the limbs. Examination shows loss of vibratory sense, positional sense, and sense of light touch in the lower limbs. She is found to have pernicious anemia. Endoscopy reveals an ulcer in the body of the stomach. What vitamin deficiency does she most likely have?

Accepted Answer

Cancer of the stomach

Answer

Gastric sarcoma

Answer

Chronic atrophic gastritis

Answer

Deficiency of vitamin B12

Question 3

A 60-year-old male presents with hypotension (90/50 mm Hg), tachycardia (100 beats per minute), and a history of hypertension and coronary artery disease. He has been passing black, tarry stools while on aspirin, atenolol, and sorbitrate. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Gastric ulcer with bleeding

Answer

Acute MI with cardiogenic shock

Answer

Acute CVA

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Question 4

A 45-year-old man is complaining of vomiting, with vomitus consisting of food mass taken a few days back, foul-smelling breath, and occasional dysphagia to solid food. What is the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Zenker's diverticulum

Answer

Scleroderma

Answer

Achalasia cardia

Answer

Diabetic gastroparesis

Question 5

Which specific condition is a significant risk factor associated with cholangiocarcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Answer

Obesity

Answer

Salmonella carrier state

Answer

HBV infection

Question 6

Increased gastrin is seen in what conditions?

Accepted Answer

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Answer

Iron deficiency anaemia

Answer

Duodenal ulcer

Answer

Gastric cancer

Question 7

What is the treatment of choice in duodenal ulcer without any complications of hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Proton pump inhibitors

Answer

Highly selective vagotomy

Answer

Trunkal vagotomy

Answer

None of the options

Question 8

Which of the following variables is least predictive of 6-week mortality?

Accepted Answer

Age > 50

Answer

MELD score > 18

Answer

Child-Pugh class C

Answer

Early rebleeding

Question 9

Which of the following vitamin deficiencies is seen in short bowel syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B 12

Answer

Vitamin K

Answer

Vitamin A

Answer

Vitamin D

Question 10

What is the leading cause of death in patients with Crohn's disease?

Accepted Answer

Thromboembolic complication

Answer

Sepsis

Answer

Malignancy

Answer

Electrolyte disturbance

Gastroenterology — MCQs

Gastroenterology — MCQs

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