Liver and Biliary Pathology — MCQs

Liver and Biliary Pathology Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 351: A 30-year-old shepherd presents with painless hepatomegaly. Peripheral blood work shows eosinophilia. The histopathological slide of surgically removed cyst shows a marking X. This denotes:

A. Hydatid sand (Correct Answer)
B. Endocyst
C. Ectocyst
D. Brood capsule

Explanation: ***Hydatid sand*** - The clinical presentation of painless hepatomegaly in a shepherd with eosinophilia is highly suggestive of **hydatid cyst (Echinococcosis)**. - **Hydatid sand** refers to the granular material found in hydatid cysts, consisting of **protoscolices**, hooklets, and calcareous corpuscles, which are diagnostic on histopathology [1]. *Blood capsule* - This term is not typically used in the context of hydatid cysts or their histopathology. - It does not describe a specific component of a hydatid cyst. *Endocyst* - The **endocyst** (or germinal layer) is the inner, nucleated layer of the hydatid cyst that produces the protoscolices and hydatid fluid [1]. - While part of the cyst, it is a layer, not the granular material referred to as "marking X" in the context of diagnostic findings. *Ectocyst* - The **ectocyst** (or laminated layer) is the acellular, chitinous, and elastic outer layer of the hydatid cyst, surrounding the endocyst [1]. - It is a structural component of the cyst wall, not the diagnostic granular material found within the cyst fluid. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Infectious Diseases, pp. 404-405.

Question 352: A 20-year-old college student presents with 7 day history of nausea and feeling feverish. He has tenderness in right upper quadrant and admits to high risk sexual behavior. The liver biopsy marking $X$ shows:

A. Mallory hyaline body
B. Councilman body (Correct Answer)
C. Russell body
D. Normal kupffer cell

Explanation: ***Councilman body*** - The clinical presentation (nausea, fever, RUQ tenderness, high-risk sexual behavior) is highly suggestive of **acute viral hepatitis**, likely **Hepatitis B** given the risk factors. - **Councilman bodies** (also known as **apoptotic bodies**) are characteristic findings in acute viral hepatitis, representing **apoptotic hepatocytes** [1]. *Mallory hyaline body* - **Mallory bodies** (or **Mallory-Denk bodies**) are typically seen in **alcoholic hepatitis** and other forms of **chronic liver injury**, not acute viral hepatitis [2]. - They are composed of **intermediate filaments** (cytokeratins) and other proteins, indicating hepatocyte damage. *Russell body* - **Russell bodies** are **eosinophilic inclusions** found within the cytoplasm of **plasma cells**, representing **accumulations of immunoglobulins**. - They are associated with conditions involving plasma cell proliferation, such as **multiple myeloma**, and are not a feature of acute viral hepatitis. *Normal kupffer cell* - **Kupffer cells** are **resident macrophages** of the liver and are normally present in the sinusoids. - While they play a role in inflammation, their presence alone as "normal" does not represent the specific pathological change expected in acute viral hepatitis, which is hepatocyte apoptosis [1]. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Liver And Biliary System Disease, pp. 386-387. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Liver And Biliary System Disease, pp. 389-390.

Question 353: A 54-year-old chronic alcoholic died due to a liver disease. His pathological specimen is provided in the image below. The most likely diagnosis is:

A. Cirrhosis (Correct Answer)
B. Hemangioma
C. Focal nodular hyperplasia
D. Alcoholic fatty liver

Explanation: ***Cirrhosis*** - The image of the liver from a chronic alcoholic, showing a **nodular, shrunken appearance**, is highly characteristic of **cirrhosis** [1][2]. - **Cirrhosis** is the end-stage of chronic liver disease, marked by widespread **fibrosis** and the formation of **regenerative nodules**, leading to impaired liver function [1][2]. *Focal nodular hyperplasia* - This is a **benign liver lesion** typically characterized by a **central stellate scar** and radiating fibrous septa, which is not consistent with the generalized nodularity seen in the image of a cirrhotic liver. - It usually occurs in otherwise healthy livers and is not directly linked to chronic alcoholism or diffuse liver failure. *Alcoholic fatty liver* - **Alcoholic fatty liver** (steatosis) is an early, usually reversible, stage of alcoholic liver disease characterized by **lipid accumulation** in hepatocytes, making the liver enlarged and greasy, but not typically shrunken and nodular [3]. - While it can progress to more severe forms, the image depicts the advanced, fibrotic changes of cirrhosis rather than simple steatosis [3]. *Hemangioma* - A **hemangioma** is a **benign vascular tumor** of the liver, appearing as a well-circumscribed, often dark red, spongy mass composed of blood vessels. - It presents as a focal lesion and does not cause the diffuse, nodular, and shrunken appearance of the entire liver seen in the image, which is indicative of widespread parenchymal damage. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, p. 850. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Liver And Biliary System Disease, pp. 395-396. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, p. 848.

Question 354: A 14-year-old male child presents with right upper quadrant pain, his pathological presentation is given in the image. Which one of the following statements is false?

A. This is radio-opaque in nature (Correct Answer)
B. Composed of calcium bilirubinate
C. This is associated with hemolytic disorders
D. Soft and crumble easily

Explanation: ***This is radio-opaque in nature*** - **Pigment stones**, specifically **black pigment stones**, are typically **radio-lucent** or only faintly radio-opaque, making this statement false [1]. - Their radio-opacity is due to calcium content, but it's usually insufficient to be clearly visible on plain X-rays. *Composed of calcium bilirubinate* - **Black pigment stones** are primarily composed of **calcium bilirubinate** and small amounts of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate [2][3]. - They form when there is an excess of unconjugated bilirubin in the bile, often due to hemolytic conditions [1]. *This is associated with hemolytic disorders* - **Black pigment stones** are strongly associated with conditions causing **chronic hemolysis**, such as **hereditary spherocytosis** or **sickle cell anemia** [1]. - Increased breakdown of red blood cells leads to elevated unconjugated bilirubin, which then precipitates in the gallbladder [1]. *Soft and crumble easily* - **Black pigment stones** are typically **small, multiple, and brittle**, often described as soft and crumbling easily. - This characteristic texture distinguishes them from cholesterol stones, which are usually harder. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, pp. 882-883. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, p. 862. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, p. 882.

Question 355: A 32-year-old male with a history of klebsiella infection presents with right upper quadrant pain and on performing cholecystectomy the following stones were seen. All the following statements are true regarding this condition except: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

A. It is composed of calcium palmitate (Correct Answer)
B. This condition is a resultant of secretion of beta glucuronidase
C. Initiating factor could be ascaris worm
D. This is radiolucent in nature

Explanation: ***It is composed of calcium palmitate*** - The gallstones formed in the context of **Klebsiella infection** and **beta-glucuronidase** activity are typically **pigment stones**, specifically **brown pigment stones** [1]. - Brown pigment stones are primarily composed of **calcium bilirubinate** and not calcium palmitate . *This condition is a resultant of secretion of beta glucuronidase* - **Bacterial infection**, particularly with *Klebsiella*, can lead to the production of **beta-glucuronidase** [1]. - This enzyme deconjugates **bilirubin glucuronide** in bile, making it insoluble and promoting the formation of **calcium bilirubinate stones** [1]. *Initiating factor could be ascaris worm* - **Parasitic infections**, such as those by **Ascaris lumbricoides**, can act as a nidus for stone formation in the biliary tree. - The presence of the worm or its eggs can lead to **biliary stasis** and recurrent infections, contributing to pigment stone formation. *This is radiolucent in nature* - **Pigment gallstones**, including brown pigment stones, are generally **radiolucent** on plain X-rays. - This is because they contain little to no calcium carbonate, which is required for radiopacity. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, pp. 882-883. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, p. 882.

Question 356: A liver biopsy reveals following findings. What is true about this condition?

A. Nutmeg liver with dark areas of perivenular dead hepatocytes and grey areas of periportal viable hepatocytes (Correct Answer)
B. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia of liver induced due to OCPs
C. Nutmeg liver with pale areas of necrosis and dark congested areas of perivenular viable hepatocytes
D. Cirrhotic liver with fibrotic nodules

Explanation: ***Nutmeg liver with dark areas of perivenular dead hepatocytes and grey areas of periportal viable hepatocytes*** - **Nutmeg liver** is characteristic of **chronic passive congestion** of the liver, often due to right-sided heart failure [1][2][3]. - The **dark areas** correspond to **congested, necrotic perivenular (centrilobular) hepatocytes**, while the **grey areas** represent **viable periportal hepatocytes** that receive better oxygenation [1][3]. *Nodular regenerative hyperplasia of liver induced due to OCPs* - **Nodular regenerative hyperplasia** is characterized by diffuse micronodular transformation of the liver without fibrosis, often associated with vascular disorders or certain drugs like **OCPs**. - It does not typically present with the distinct "nutmeg" appearance of alternating dark and pale areas related to congestion and necrosis. *Nutmeg liver with pale areas of necrosis and dark congested areas of perivenular viable hepatocytes* - This description incorrectly reverses the appearance of the viable and necrotic areas in **nutmeg liver** [3]. - The **perivenular hepatocytes** are the ones that become **necrotic (dark/congested)** due to hypoxia, while the **periportal hepatocytes** remain **viable (pale/grey)** [3]. *Cirrhotic liver with fibrotic nodules* - **Cirrhosis** is characterized by diffuse **fibrosis** and the formation of **regenerative nodules**, leading to architectural distortion. - While cirrhosis can result from chronic liver injury, the specific "nutmeg" pattern of congestion and necrosis is not the primary histological feature. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Hemodynamic Disorders, Thromboembolic Disease, and Shock, p. 126. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Liver And Biliary System Disease, pp. 401-402. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, pp. 870-872.

Question 357: Which is true about the inclusion bodies seen in specimen of patient, who underwent a liver transplantation?

A. Basophilic intranuclear inclusion (Correct Answer)
B. Seen with supravital stain
C. Intracytoplasmic inclusion
D. Highly sensitive for diagnosis of CMV

Explanation: ***Basophilic intranuclear inclusion*** - The classic inclusion bodies of **Cytomegalovirus (CMV)**, a common opportunistic infection post-transplant, are **basophilic intranuclear inclusions** often described as "owl's eye" inclusions [1]. - These are found within the nucleus of infected cells, particularly in patients who have undergone **liver transplantation** and are immunosuppressed. *Seen with supravital stain* - **Supravital stains** are used to visualize living cells or structures within them, such as reticulocytes (with new methylene blue) or mitochondria. - CMV inclusion bodies are typically seen on **histopathological examination** of fixed tissue sections stained with H&E, not with supravital stains. *Intracytoplasmic inclusion* - While CMV can also produce **small, eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions** [1], the most characteristic and diagnostic feature is the **large, basophilic intranuclear inclusion**. - Other viruses, like rabies (Negri bodies) or vaccinia, are known for prominent intracytoplasmic inclusions. *Highly sensitive for diagnosis of CMV* - While the presence of these inclusions is **highly specific** for CMV infection, their **sensitivity** can be variable, especially in early or mild infections. - **Molecular methods** like PCR for CMV DNA in blood or tissue are often more sensitive for diagnosis, particularly in the context of transplant patients. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Infectious Diseases, pp. 367-368.

Question 358: All are true about the sectioned slice of liver except:

A. Occurs due to intracellular accumulation of triglycerides
B. Changes are irreversible (Correct Answer)
C. H and E stain results in non-staining vacuoles
D. Tense glistening capsule with rounded margins

Explanation: ***Changes are irreversible*** - **Fatty change** (steatosis) in the liver, which is the most likely condition described by the other options, is generally considered a **reversible** process if the underlying cause is removed [1][2]. - Irreversible changes typically refer to processes leading to **cell death** or **fibrosis/cirrhosis**, which are not directly implied by the description of a sectioned slice with fat accumulation. *Occurs due to intracellular accumulation of triglycerides* - **Fatty liver** (steatosis) is indeed characterized by the **intracellular accumulation of triglycerides** within hepatocytes [2][3]. - This accumulation can be due to various causes, including alcohol, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. *H and E stain results in non-staining vacuoles* - In **fatty liver**, the accumulated lipids are dissolved during tissue processing for H&E staining, leaving behind **empty, clear vacuoles** within the hepatocytes [1][2]. - These vacuoles appear **non-staining** because the lipid content is lost. *Tense glistening capsule with rounded margins* - A liver with significant **fatty change** often appears **enlarged**, with a **tense, glistening capsule** and **rounded margins** due to the increased volume from lipid accumulation [2]. - This macroscopic appearance is characteristic of a steatotic liver. **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. 51-53. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, pp. 848-850. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, p. 852.

Question 359: Identify the stain shown in the liver section.

A. Warthin starry
B. Steiner silver stain
C. Grimelius silver stain
D. Gordon and Sweet's reticulin stain (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Gordon and Sweet's reticulin stain*** - The image shows **reticular fibers** in the liver, which appear as a delicate, branching network stained in **black**. This pattern is characteristic of a reticulin stain. - Reticulin stains are used to evaluate the **hepatic architecture** and detect its disruption in various liver diseases like cirrhosis. *Warthin starry* - The **Warthin-Starry stain** is primarily used to detect **spirochetes** (e.g., *Treponema pallidum* for syphilis) and certain bacteria like *Helicobacter pylori*. - It would show these organisms as black or brown, usually in a tissue section, but not the widespread network of reticular fibers seen here. *Steiner silver stain* - The **Steiner silver stain** is another type of silver impregnation stain used to detect **spirochetes** and other microorganisms, similar to Warthin-Starry. - It would not highlight the reticular fiber network of the liver in this specific pattern. *Grimelius silver stain* - The **Grimelius silver stain** is used to identify **neuroendocrine cells** and their granules, especially in tumors like carcinoids. - It stains the argyrophilic granules within these cells dark brown or black, which is distinct from the reticular network observed in the image.

Question 360: Which of the following is NOT correct for ‘strawberry gall bladder’?

A. It may be associated with cholesterol Stones
B. It is a malignant condition of gall bladder (Correct Answer)
C. Simple cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice
D. It has submucous aggregation of cholesterol crystals

Explanation: ***It is a malignant condition of gall bladder*** - **Strawberry gallbladder**, also known as **cholesterolosis**, is a **benign** condition where cholesterol esters accumulate in the macrophages within the lamina propria of the gallbladder wall. - It is **not cancerous** and does not lead to malignancy. *It may be associated with cholesterol Stones* - **Cholesterolosis** is often associated with a higher incidence of **cholesterol gallstones (cholelithiasis)**, as both conditions involve abnormal cholesterol metabolism [1]. - The accumulation of cholesterol in the gallbladder wall can sometimes precede or coincide with the formation of cholesterol stones within the lumen [1]. *Simple cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice* - For symptomatic **cholesterolosis**, especially when associated with pain or recurrent biliary colic, **cholecystectomy** (surgical removal of the gallbladder) is the standard and effective treatment. - Asymptomatic cases generally do not require treatment. *It has submucous aggregation of cholesterol crystals* - The characteristic appearance of **"strawberry gallbladder"** is due to the macroscopic visualization of yellow, lipid-laden macrophages aggregated within the **lamina propria** (a layer beneath the mucous membrane), appearing as tiny yellow flecks against a red mucosal background. - These aggregates contain **cholesterol esters**, which can crystallize. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, p. 882.

Practice by Chapter

Jaundice and Cholestasis

Practice Questions

Viral Hepatitis

Practice Questions

Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Practice Questions

Drug and Toxin Induced Liver Injury

Practice Questions

Cirrhosis and Its Complications

Practice Questions

Metabolic Liver Diseases

Practice Questions

Liver Tumors

Practice Questions

Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Diseases

Practice Questions

Congenital Liver Diseases

Practice Questions

Liver Transplantation Pathology

Practice Questions

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free