General Pathology Practice Questions

Q: Touton giant cells are characteristic findings in which of the following conditions?

Xanthomas. **Explanation:** **Touton giant cells** are a specific type of multinucleated giant cell characterized by a central ring of nuclei surrounding a core of eosinophilic cytoplasm, with a peripheral rim of foamy (vacuolated) lipid-rich cytoplasm. 1. **Why Xanthomas is correct:** Xanthomas are localized deposits of lipids (cholesterol) within the skin or soft tissues, often associated with hyperlipidemias [1]. Touton giant cells form when macrophages ingest these lipids. The "foamy" appearance at the periphery of the cell is due to the high lipid content, making them a diagnostic hallmark of xanthomatous lesions (e.g., **Xanthoma disseminatum**, Juvenile Xanthogranuloma). 2. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Cat scratch disease:** Characterized by stellate (star-shaped) granulomas with central necrosis and neutrophils, typically caused by *Bartonella henselae*. * **Sarcoidosis:** Characterized by **non-caseating granulomas** containing **Langhans giant cells**, Asteroid bodies, and Schaumann bodies [2]. * **Neurofibroma:** A benign nerve sheath tumor composed of Schwann cells and fibroblasts in a myxoid background; it does not typically feature giant cells. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Langhans Giant Cells:** Nuclei arranged in a "horseshoe" pattern (seen in Tuberculosis) [2]. * **Foreign Body Giant Cells:** Nuclei scattered irregularly throughout the cytoplasm. * **Aschoff Cells:** Pathognomonic for Rheumatic Heart Disease. * **Warthin-Finkeldey Cells:** Multinucleated giant cells seen in Measles. * **Reed-Sternberg Cells:** "Owl-eye" appearance, characteristic of Hodgkin Lymphoma. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, pp. 73-74. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Inflammation and Repair, p. 109.

Question 1

What process does cytosolic Cytochrome C mediate?

Accepted Answer

Apoptosis

Answer

Electron transport

Answer

Krebs cycle

Answer

Glycolysis

Question 2

A 22-year-old woman delivers an apparently healthy female infant after an uncomplicated pregnancy. By 4 years of age, the girl has progressive, severe neurologic deterioration. Physical examination shows marked hepatosplenomegaly. A bone marrow biopsy specimen shows numerous foamy vacuolated macrophages. Analysis of which of the following factors is most likely to aid in the diagnosis of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Level of sphingomyelinase in splenic macrophages

Answer

Level of a1-antitrypsin in the serum

Answer

Level of glucose-6-phosphatase in hepatocytes

Answer

Number of LDL receptors on hepatocytes

Question 3

A non-caseating granuloma is seen in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease

Answer

Tropical sprue

Answer

Celiac sprue

Answer

Ulcerative colitis

Question 4

Touton giant cells are characteristic findings in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Xanthomas

Answer

Cat scratch disease

Answer

Sarcoidosis

Answer

Neurofibroma

Question 5

A 60-year-old female with renal failure on hemodialysis for 8 years developed carpal tunnel syndrome. Which of the following will be associated?

Accepted Answer

Beta-2 microglobulin

Answer

Aluminum (AL)

Answer

Amyloidosis (AA)

Answer

Transthyretin Amyloidosis (ATTR)

Question 6

What is the inheritance pattern of the ABO blood group system and the HLA system?

Accepted Answer

Codominant

Answer

Pseudodominance

Answer

Autosomal dominant

Answer

Autosomal recessive

Question 7

Which procedure is performed when amyloidosis is clinically suspected?

Accepted Answer

Congo red staining of abdominal fat

Answer

Renal biopsy

Answer

Urine electrophoresis

Answer

Serum immunoelectrophoresis

Question 8

Fibrinoid necrosis may be observed in all of the following conditions except?

Accepted Answer

Diabetic glomerulosclerosis

Answer

Malignant hypertension

Answer

Polyarteritis nodosa

Answer

Aschoff's nodule

Question 9

Oncocytes are seen in all of the following organs except?

Accepted Answer

Thymus

Answer

Pituitary

Answer

Thyroid

Answer

Pancreas

Question 10

Which of the following is true of fat embolism?

Accepted Answer

Thrombocytopenia

Answer

Macroglobulinemia

Answer

Prothrombin time increased

Answer

Fat globules in urine

General Pathology — MCQs

General Pathology — MCQs

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