Neuropathology Practice Questions

Q: What is the first cellular response observed after a sharp nerve cut?

Chromatolysis. ***Chromatolysis*** - **Chromatolysis** is the dissolution of the Nissl bodies (rough endoplasmic reticulum) in the neuron cell body following axonal injury, which is the **first observable cellular response** [1]. - This process is a preparatory step for neuronal regeneration, indicating the cell's attempt to repair the damaged axon [1]. *Polymorphic arrangement* - This term is not typically used to describe an immediate cellular response to a nerve cut; it might refer to diverse cell shapes or arrangements in different contexts but is not a recognized initial post-injury event. - The neuron's immediate response involves changes within the cell body, not a re-arrangement of its cellular structure with other cells. *Increased protein synthesis* - While increased protein synthesis does occur during neuronal repair and regeneration, it is a consequence of chromatolysis and part of a later, more sustained response, not the very first visible cellular change [1]. - **Chromatolysis precedes** and facilitates the subsequent increase in protein synthesis necessary for axonal regrowth [1]. *Macrophage activation* - **Macrophage activation** is a crucial part of the inflammatory response and debris clearance following nerve injury, but it is not the *first cellular response* of the neuron itself [2]. - Macrophages migrate to the site of injury hours to days after the initial insult, whereas chromatolysis begins within the neuron's cell body much earlier [2]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Peripheral Nerves and Skeletal Muscles, pp. 1254-1256. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 697-698.

Q: Which of the following is a common deformity associated with Chiari Malformation Type II?

Meningomyelocele. ***Meningomyelocele*** - **Chiari Malformation Type II** is almost always associated with a **meningomyelocele**, a severe form of spina bifida where the spinal cord and nerves protrude through an opening in the spine. - This neural tube defect is considered a hallmark of Chiari Malformation Type II and contributes to many of the associated neurological symptoms. *Syringomyelia* - While **syringomyelia** (a fluid-filled cyst within the spinal cord) can be a **complication** of Chiari Malformation Type I or Type II, it is not a direct anatomical deformity of the malformation itself but rather a secondary effect from altered CSF flow [1]. - It develops in a significant portion of patients but is not the primary associated birth defect defining Chiari Type II. *Hydrocephalus* - **Hydrocephalus** (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain) is a very **common complication** of Chiari Malformation Type II due to the obstruction of CSF flow at the level of the hindbrain [1]. - However, like syringomyelia, it is a secondary condition resulting from the primary anatomical malformation (downward displacement of cerebellar tonsils and brainstem) and the associated meningomyelocele, not the core deformity itself. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **meningomyelocele** is a direct and defining deformity strongly associated with Chiari Malformation Type II. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 718-719.

Q: Most common CNS tumor associated with NF1

Optic glioma. ***Optic glioma*** - **Optic gliomas** (specifically **pilocytic astrocytomas**) are the most common CNS tumor found in association with **Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)** [1]. - These tumors typically affect the **optic nerve** and can cause vision impairment. *Optic nerve schwannoma* - **Schwannomas** are tumors arising from Schwann cells, and while they can affect cranial nerves, an **optic nerve schwannoma** is very rare and not characteristic of NF1. - The most common schwannoma associated with neurofibromatosis is a **vestibular schwannoma** (acoustic neuroma) in NF2, not NF1 [2]. *Astrocytoma* - While optic gliomas are a type of astrocytoma, simply stating "astrocytoma" is too broad; the specific location (optic nerve) and type (pilocytic) are key in NF1 [1]. - Other types of astrocytomas (e.g., glioblastoma) are not typically associated with NF1 as the *most common* CNS tumor. *Bilateral acoustic neuroma* - **Bilateral acoustic neuromas** (vestibular schwannomas) are the hallmark CNS tumor of **Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)**, not NF1 [2]. - This symptom strongly points to NF2, a distinct genetic disorder from NF1 [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1319-1320. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 727-728.

Q: Most common site for medulloblastoma is-

Cerebellum. ***Cerebellum*** - **Medulloblastoma** is a highly malignant primary brain tumor that characteristically arises in the **cerebellum** [1]. - It is the most common malignant brain tumor in children, typically originating from the **roof of the fourth ventricle**. *Pituitary* - The **pituitary gland** is mostly associated with **adenomas**, which are benign tumors arising from anterior pituitary cells. - Tumors like **craniopharyngiomas** can also be found in the sellar region, but medulloblastomas do not originate here. *Cerebrum* - The **cerebrum** is the most common site for **gliomas** (e.g., glioblastoma multiforme) and metastatic tumors in adults. - Medulloblastoma specifically originates from primitive neuroectodermal cells in the posterior fossa [1]. *Pineal gland* - The **pineal gland** is associated with **pinealomas** (e.g., pineoblastoma, pineocytoma) and **germinomas** [2]. - These are distinct from medulloblastomas in their cellular origin and typical anatomical location.

Q: Perivascular lymphocytes & microglial nodules are seen in -

HIV encephalitis. ***HIV encephalitis*** - **Perivascular lymphocytes** and **microglial nodules** are the characteristic histopathological hallmarks of **HIV encephalitis (HIV-associated dementia complex)** [1][2]. - Microglial nodules are formed by activated microglia and macrophages, often accompanied by **multinucleated giant cells** (the classic triad) [2]. - These features reflect chronic CNS inflammation and neuronal damage caused by HIV infection. *CMV meningitis* - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompromised patients causes meningoencephalitis with characteristic **intranuclear ("owl's eye") inclusion bodies** and necrotizing inflammation. - The histological pattern differs from the microglial nodules and perivascular lymphocytes seen in HIV encephalitis. *Bacterial meningitis* - Characterized by prominent **neutrophilic infiltrate** in the subarachnoid space, fibrinopurulent exudate, and potential vasculitis. - Acute bacterial meningitis does not show the lymphocytic and microglial nodular pattern characteristic of viral encephalitis. *Multiple sclerosis* - An autoimmune demyelinating disease with **perivenular demyelinating plaques** containing lymphocytes and macrophages. - While perivascular inflammation occurs, **microglial nodules** are not a characteristic feature; instead, MS shows demyelination with reactive gliosis. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, p. 1278. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 711-712.

Q: What is the histological appearance of the brain in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?

Neuronal loss with spongiform change. ***Neuronal loss with spongiform change*** - This is the **most complete and accurate** description of CJD histology under light microscopy - The classic histological **triad** of CJD includes: (1) **spongiform vacuolation** (numerous small vacuoles in neuropil and neuronal cytoplasm), (2) **neuronal loss**, and (3) **astrocytic gliosis** [1] - This option captures the two most characteristic microscopic features that together define the disease - Spongiform change refers to the sponge-like appearance due to vacuoles, while neuronal loss with gliosis represents the degenerative process [1] *Spongiform change in brain* - While spongiform change is indeed the **hallmark feature** of CJD, this option is incomplete [1] - Describing only spongiform change without mentioning neuronal loss misses a critical component of the histological picture - In pathology, the most complete accurate description is preferred when available *Neuronal loss with gliosis* - These features are present in CJD but are **non-specific** findings - Neuronal loss and gliosis occur in many neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc.) - Without mentioning spongiform change, this description lacks the defining characteristic of prion diseases [1] *Prion protein accumulation* - PrPSc accumulation is the **underlying cause** of the pathology, not a description of routine histological appearance - Prion proteins require **special immunohistochemical staining** (anti-PrP antibodies) for visualization [1] - Under standard H&E staining, prion deposits are not the primary visible feature; the **spongiform degeneration** is what pathologists observe [1] **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1284-1286.

Q: Which condition is characterized by spongiform degeneration of the cerebral cortex?

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. ***Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease*** - This is a **prion disease** characterized by rapid cognitive decline, myoclonus, and distinctive EEG changes, with **spongiform degeneration of the cerebral cortex** as the hallmark neuropathological feature [1]. - The spongiform changes are due to intracellular vacuoles within neurons and astrocytes, giving the brain tissue a **spongy appearance** [2]. - CJD shows **widespread cortical involvement**, making it the classic answer for cortical spongiform degeneration [2]. *Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis* - This condition is a rare, **chronic, progressive encephalitis** caused by persistent measles virus infection. - It is characterized by widespread **demyelination, gliosis, and intranuclear inclusion bodies**, but not spongiform degeneration. *Fatal familial insomnia* - This is another **prion disease** that also exhibits spongiform degeneration, but the key difference is **anatomical distribution** [2]. - FFI primarily affects the **thalamus** (a subcortical structure) and causes severe insomnia, dysautonomia, and motor signs [2]. - While spongiform changes occur in FFI, they are most prominent in the **thalamus rather than the cerebral cortex**, making CJD the better answer for cortical spongiform degeneration [2]. *Cerebral toxoplasmosis* - This is an **opportunistic infection of the brain** caused by **_Toxoplasma gondii_**, primarily seen in immunocompromised individuals. - It typically results in the formation of **abscesses or ring-enhancing lesions**, rather than spongiform degeneration. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 712-713. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1284-1286.

Question 1

What is the first cellular response observed after a sharp nerve cut?

Accepted Answer

Chromatolysis

Answer

Polymorphic arrangement

Answer

Increased protein synthesis

Answer

Macrophage activation

Question 2

Which of the following statements about peripheral nerve injury is false?

Accepted Answer

Neuropraxia is irreversible

Answer

Wallerian degeneration starts in axonotmesis

Answer

Neurotmesis is the most severe form of injury

Answer

Epineurium is intact in axonotmesis

Question 3

What is a watershed infarct in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Occurs in the border zones between major arteries

Answer

Occurs in the areas supplied by only one artery

Answer

Occurs in the terminal portion of main arteries

Answer

Occurs only in areas with complete arterial occlusion

Question 4

Which of the following is a common deformity associated with Chiari Malformation Type II?

Accepted Answer

Meningomyelocele

Answer

Syringomyelia

Answer

Hydrocephalus

Answer

None of the options

Question 5

What is the most common cerebellar tumor in children?

Accepted Answer

Medulloblastoma

Answer

Ependymoma

Answer

PNET

Answer

Astrocytoma

Question 6

Most common CNS tumor associated with NF1

Accepted Answer

Optic glioma

Answer

Astrocytoma

Answer

Bilateral acoustic neuroma

Answer

Optic nerve schwannoma

Question 7

Most common site for medulloblastoma is-

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Pituitary

Answer

Cerebrum

Answer

Pineal gland

Question 8

Perivascular lymphocytes & microglial nodules are seen in -

Accepted Answer

HIV encephalitis

Answer

CMV meningitis

Answer

Bacterial meningitis

Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Question 9

What is the histological appearance of the brain in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?

Accepted Answer

Neuronal loss with spongiform change

Answer

Neuronal loss with gliosis

Answer

Spongiform change in brain

Answer

Prion protein accumulation

Question 10

Which condition is characterized by spongiform degeneration of the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Answer

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Answer

Fatal familial insomnia

Answer

Cerebral toxoplasmosis

Neuropathology — MCQs

Neuropathology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?