Gastroenterology — MCQs

Gastroenterology Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1231: Which of the following statements about Gilbert syndrome is false?

A. Normal liver histology
B. Autosomal dominant
C. Elevated bilirubin levels are present
D. Causes cirrhosis (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Causes cirrhosis*** - **Gilbert syndrome** is a benign condition characterized by intermittent unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and does **not lead to cirrhosis** [1]. - Cirrhosis is a severe form of **liver scarring** resulting from chronic damage, which is not a feature of Gilbert syndrome. *Normal liver histology* - The liver structure and function in individuals with Gilbert syndrome are typically **normal**, distinguishing it from other liver disorders [2]. - Histological examination of liver biopsies usually reveals no abnormalities, reflecting the **benign nature** of the condition. *Autosomal dominant* - Gilbert syndrome is inherited in an **autosomal recessive** pattern, not autosomal dominant [2]. - It results from a reduction in the activity of the **UGT1A1 enzyme**, which is responsible for bilirubin conjugation [1], [2]. *Elevated bilirubin levels are present* - Individuals with Gilbert syndrome experience **intermittent unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia**, meaning their indirect bilirubin levels are elevated [3]. - This elevation is usually mild and can be exacerbated by stress, fasting, or illness, but it is typically **harmless** [1], [2].

Question 1232: Secretory diarrhea is not typically associated with which of the following conditions?

A. Phenolphthalein
B. Cholera
C. Celiac disease (Correct Answer)
D. VIPoma

Explanation: ***Celiac disease*** [1] - Characterized by **malabsorption** due to immune-mediated damage to the intestinal mucosa, leading to **osmotic diarrhea** rather than secretory diarrhea [1]. - Symptoms include **bloating**, **weight loss**, and **steatorrhea**, which are not consistent with secretory processes. *Cholera* - Caused by **Vibrio cholerae**, leading to **massive secretory diarrhea** due to the action of cholera toxin on intestinal epithelial cells. - Presents with **watery diarrhea**, potentially leading to **dehydration** and electrolyte imbalances. *Addison's Disease* - This condition may cause **diarrhea** but typically results in **non-secretory diarrhea**, often associated with adrenal insufficiency symptoms. - Presenting features include **fatigue**, **weight loss**, and **hyperpigmentation**, not primarily secretory processes. *Phenolphthalein* - A laxative that can induce **secretory diarrhea** through its stimulant effects on the bowel. - Its mechanism leads to increased fluid secretion in the intestines, thus contributing to secretory diarrhea.

Question 1233: What is a feature of short bowel syndrome?

A. Hypergastrinemia & high gastric secretion is seen
B. Diarrhea, dehydration and malnutrition
C. Chronic TPN dependence
D. Malabsorption leading to diarrhea, dehydration, and malnutrition. (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Malabsorption leading to diarrhea, dehydration, and malnutrition.*** [1], [2] - The primary characteristic of short bowel syndrome is **reduced intestinal surface area**, leading to inadequate absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes [1]. - This malabsorption manifests as **chronic diarrhea**, which can cause significant **dehydration** and **malnutrition** due to nutrient deficiencies [2]. *Diarrhea, dehydration and malnutrition* - While these are prominent symptoms, they are consequences of the underlying **malabsorption**, which is the fundamental process. - This option describes symptoms but doesn't fully explain the root physiological mechanism as comprehensively as the correct answer. *Chronic TPN dependence* - **Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)** dependence can be a severe consequence for patients with very short or severely damaged bowel segments, but it is not a feature inherent to all cases of short bowel syndrome. - Many patients can manage with oral or enteral nutrition, especially if a significant portion of the small bowel remains functional. *Hypergastrinemia & high gastric secretion is seen* - This can occur in certain cases of short bowel syndrome, particularly if there is a loss of the **duodenum** (which normally inhibits gastrin release) or if there's extensive ileal resection. - However, it's not a universal or defining feature for all patients and is secondary to the primary problem of malabsorption.

Question 1234: Which of the following is a characteristic of Wilson's disease?

A. Increased copper in liver (Correct Answer)
B. Autosomal dominant
C. Increased serum ceruloplasmin
D. Decreased copper excretion in urine

Explanation: ***Increased copper in liver*** - Wilson's disease is characterized by **accumulation of copper** in liver tissues due to defective copper transport [1]. - This excess leads to **hepatocellular damage**, resulting in liver dysfunction and potential cirrhosis [1]. *Decreased copper excretion in urine* - In Wilson's disease, there is actually **decreased excretion of copper**, which results in accumulation in the liver [1]. - **Urine copper levels** are typically low to normal in early stages because the liver fails to excrete excess copper effectively. *Autosomal dominant* - Wilson's disease is inherited in an **autosomal recessive** pattern, not dominant. - It is caused by mutations in the gene responsible for copper transport (ATP7B) [1]. *Increased serum ceruloplasmin* - Serum ceruloplasmin levels are often **decreased** in Wilson's disease due to impaired copper incorporation into this protein [1]. - Low ceruloplasmin is a key laboratory finding, contrasting the assertion of this option.

Question 1235: Corkscrew esophagus is seen in which of the following conditions ?

A. Scleroderma
B. Achalasia cardia
C. Diffuse esophagus spasm (Correct Answer)
D. Carcinoma esophagus

Explanation: ***Diffuse esophagus spasm*** - **Corkscrew esophagus** is a classic radiographic finding in **diffuse esophageal spasm (DES)**, indicating multiple simultaneous, non-peristaltic contractions. [1] - This condition is characterized by **uncoordinated esophageal contractions** that can lead to chest pain and dysphagia. [1] *Scleroderma* - Scleroderma typically causes **hypomotility** or aperistalsis in the esophagus, especially in the distal two-thirds, rather than a corkscrew appearance. [1] - It results from progressive **fibrosis and atrophy of the smooth muscle**, leading to esophageal dilation and reflux symptoms. [1] *Achalasia cardia* - Achalasia is defined by the **failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax** and loss of peristalsis in the esophageal body, leading to a "bird-beak" appearance on barium swallow. [2] - It features a **dilated esophagus** proximally to the tight LES, not multiple indentations. [2] *Carcinoma esophagus* - Esophageal carcinoma usually presents as a **focal stricture**, mass, or irregular lumen on imaging, often causing dysphagia that is progressive. - It does not typically cause the diffuse, segmental contractions characteristic of a corkscrew esophagus.

Question 1236: Best provocative test for diagnosis of Gastrinoma is:

A. Ca++ infusion test
B. Secretin injection test (Correct Answer)
C. ACTH stimulation test
D. Steroid assay

Explanation: ***Secretin injection test*** - The **secretin injection test** is the most reliable provocative test for gastrinoma, leading to a paradoxical increase in gastrin levels [1]. - In normal individuals, secretin suppresses gastrin release, but in gastrinoma, it stimulates **gastrin secretion** [1]. *Ca++ infusion test* - The **calcium infusion test** can also stimulate gastrin release in gastrinoma patients, but it is less specific and potentially more risky than the secretin test due to potential side effects like cardiac arrhythmias. - It involves infusing calcium gluconate to observe any uncharacteristic rise in gastrin. *ACTH stimulation test* - The **ACTH stimulation test** is used to evaluate adrenal gland function, particularly in suspected cases of adrenal insufficiency or hypercortisolism [2]. - It does not have any direct relevance to the diagnosis of **gastrinoma**. *Steroid assay* - **Steroid assays** measure levels of various steroid hormones (e.g., cortisol, aldosterone) in the body to assess adrenal or gonadal function. - This test is not used for diagnosing **gastrinoma**.

Question 1237: Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Crohn's disease?

A. Sinus & fistula (Correct Answer)
B. Mesenteric lymphadenitis
C. Continuous involvement
D. Crypt abscesses

Explanation: ***Sinus & fistula*** - **Transmural inflammation**, a hallmark of Crohn's disease, can extend through the bowel wall, leading to the formation of **sinus tracts** and **fistulae** (abnormal connections between organs or to the skin). [1] - These complications include enteroenteric, enterovesical, and perianal fistulae, which are highly characteristic of Crohn's. [1] *Continuous involvement* - Crohn's disease is characterized by **skip lesions**, meaning there are healthy segments of bowel interspersed with diseased segments, not continuous involvement. [1] - **Ulcerative colitis** typically presents with continuous inflammation, starting from the rectum and extending proximally. [1] *Mesenteric lymphadenitis* - While mesenteric lymph nodes can be involved in Crohn's disease due to inflammation, **mesenteric lymphadenitis** is more commonly associated with infectious etiologies or other inflammatory conditions, and not a primary defining characteristic. - It refers to inflammation of lymph nodes in the mesentery, which can cause abdominal pain but does not specifically differentiate Crohn's from other conditions. *Crypt abscesses* - **Crypt abscesses** are a characteristic histological feature of **ulcerative colitis**, where neutrophils infiltrate the glandular crypts. [1] - While they can occasionally be seen in Crohn's, they are much more common and prominent in ulcerative colitis and are not a defining feature of Crohn's.

Question 1238: What is the preferred test for confirming H. pylori eradication?

A. Urease breath test (Correct Answer)
B. Culture
C. Serological test
D. Biopsy urease test

Explanation: ***Urease breath test*** - The **urea breath test** is highly sensitive and specific for detecting active *H. pylori* infection and its eradication by measuring radioactive or non-radioactive labeled carbon dioxide released from metabolizing urea. - It is a non-invasive test preferred after treatment to confirm eradication, as it directly detects bacterial urease activity. *Culture* - **Culture** requires an invasive endoscopic biopsy, is expensive, and takes several days to yield results; therefore, it is not the preferred method for routine eradication confirmation. - While it offers the advantage of **antibiotic susceptibility testing**, its invasiveness and turnaround time make it less practical for post-treatment assessment. *Serological test* - **Serological tests** (blood tests for antibodies) remain positive for **H. pylori antibodies** for extended periods even after successful eradication, rendering them unsuitable for confirming eradication. - These tests primarily indicate past exposure rather than current, active infection. *Biopsy urease test* - A **biopsy urease test** involves an invasive endoscopy to obtain a tissue sample, which is then tested for urease activity. - Although useful for initial diagnosis, its invasiveness makes it less preferred for confirming eradication compared to the non-invasive breath test.

Question 1239: Esophageal manometry is useful in diagnosing all of the following conditions EXCEPT:

A. Achalasia (a motility disorder)
B. Diffuse esophageal spasm (a motility disorder)
C. Malignancy (not typically diagnosed with this test) (Correct Answer)
D. Assessment of esophageal motility prior to surgery for GERD

Explanation: ***Malignancy (not typically diagnosed with this test)*** - **Esophageal manometry** evaluates the **motor function** of the esophagus, measuring pressure changes during swallowing. - **Malignancy**, such as esophageal cancer, is primarily diagnosed with **endoscopy with biopsy** and imaging studies, not by assessing motility. *Achalasia (a motility disorder)* - **Esophageal manometry** is the **gold standard** for diagnosing achalasia, characterized by **absent peristalsis** in the esophageal body and **incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)** [1]. - High-resolution manometry shows elevated **integrated relaxation pressure (IRP)** and often pan-esophageal pressurization. *Diffuse esophageal spasm (a motility disorder)* - This condition is also diagnosed by **esophageal manometry**, which reveals simultaneous, **non-peristaltic contractions** of high amplitude, often interspersed with normal peristalsis [1]. - It may also show **premature contractions** and **multiple rapid swallows** triggering spasm. *Assessment of esophageal motility prior to surgery for GERD* - **Manometry** is routinely performed before **anti-reflux surgery (e.g., Nissen fundoplication)** to rule out underlying esophageal motility disorders that could complicate surgery or worsen symptoms post-operatively [1]. - Identifying conditions like **achalasia** or **scleroderma** would contraindicate a standard fundoplication, as dysphagia could worsen [1].

Question 1240: What is the most common site of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)?

A. Ileum
B. Esophagus
C. Colon
D. Stomach (Correct Answer)

Explanation: Stomach - The stomach is the most common site for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), accounting for approximately 60-70% of cases. - GISTs in the stomach often present with symptoms like abdominal pain or bleeding and are associated with mutations in the KIT gene. Ileum - Although GISTs can occur in the ileum, they are far less common than those found in the stomach, representing about 10-15% of cases [1]. - GISTs in the ileum tend to present differently, often with intestinal obstruction or pain [1]. Esophagus - Esophageal GISTs are rare and account for only about 5% of GIST cases, making them an uncommon location. - Symptoms are usually related to dysphagia or chest pain, not typical for GISTs arising from more common sites. Colon - Although GISTs can occur in the colon, their frequency is much lower compared to the stomach and represents a small percentage of cases. - Clinical features in colonic GISTs can mimic other colorectal tumors, often causing obstruction or bleeding rather than classic GIST symptoms.

Practice by Chapter

Esophageal Disorders

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Peptic Ulcer Disease

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Malabsorption Syndromes

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Pancreatitis (Acute and Chronic)

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Gastrointestinal Bleeding

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Liver Diseases and Cirrhosis

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Viral Hepatitis

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Biliary Tract Disorders

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Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

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Gastrointestinal Malignancies

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