Respiratory Pathology Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following conditions is characterized by the presence of hyaline deposits in alveolar walls?

Hyaline membrane disease. ***Hyaline membrane disease*** - This condition is pathologically characterized by the presence of **eosinophilic (hyaline) membranes** lining the distal airspaces, which are composed of fibrin, cellular debris, and necrotic cells [1]. - These **hyaline deposits obstruct gas exchange** and are a hallmark of **acute lung injury** in neonates due to surfactant deficiency [2]. *Asthma* - Characterized by **bronchoconstriction**, **mucus plugging**, and **airway inflammation**, but not hyaline deposits in alveolar walls. - Pathologically, there is hyperplasia of goblet cells, hypertrophy of bronchial smooth muscle, and eosinophilic infiltration. *Chronic bronchitis* - Defined by **chronic productive cough** due to hypertrophy of mucous glands and increased mucus production in the bronchi, not alveolar hyaline deposits. - It primarily affects the **large airways** and is associated with chronic inflammation and airway obstruction. *Interstitial lung disease* - Involves inflammation and fibrosis of the **interstitium of the lung**, leading to impaired gas exchange. - While it causes architectural distortion, **hyaline deposits** in the alveolar walls are not a defining pathological feature. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 679-681. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, p. 466.

Q: Ghon’s focus is found in

Pulmonary tuberculosis. ***Pulmonary tuberculosis*** - A **Ghon's focus** is a primary lesion in the lung, typically a granuloma, that develops after initial infection with ***Mycobacterium tuberculosis*** [1]. - It results from the body's immune response to wall off the infection, often calcifying over time and visible on imaging [1]. *Asbestosis* - This is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling **asbestos fibers**, leading to diffuse **pulmonary fibrosis** and pleural plaques. - It does not involve the formation of a Ghon's focus, which is specific to tuberculosis. *Leprosy* - **Leprosy** is a chronic infectious disease caused by ***Mycobacterium leprae***, primarily affecting the skin, nerves, and upper respiratory tract. - It does not cause pulmonary Ghon's foci; its manifestations are mostly peripheral and mucocutaneous. *Sarcoidosis* - **Sarcoidosis** is a multi-system inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of **non-caseating granulomas** in various organs, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes [2]. - While it involves granulomas in the lung, these are distinct from the specific primary lesion of tuberculosis known as a Ghon's focus [2]. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Respiratory Tract Disease, pp. 320-321. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. (Basic Pathology) introduces the student to key general principles of pathology, both as a medical science and as a clinical activity with a vital role in patient care. Part 2 (Disease Mechanisms) provides fundamental knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in diseases, providing the rationale for their treatment. Part 3 (Systematic Pathology) deals in detail with specific diseases, with emphasis on the clinically important aspects., pp. 198-200.

Q: True statement regarding pathology of pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia:

Alveoli are filled with foamy exudates. ***Alveoli are filled with foamy exudates*** - This is a hallmark pathological finding in **Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP)**, where the alveoli are filled with an **eosinophilic, foamy, or honeycomb-like material** composed of organisms and host proteins [1]. - This exudate is rich in **trophozoites and cysts** of *P. jiroveci*, which stain well with special stains like Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) [1]. *Interstitial pneumonitis with foamy vacuoles* - While PJP does cause **interstitial inflammation**, the characteristic "foamy vacuoles" are actually the **alveolar exudate**, not an isolated interstitial finding. - The interstitial changes typically involve **lymphoplasmacytic infiltration**, but the primary accumulation of organisms and debris is intra-alveolar. *Necrotising hemorrhage* - **Necrotizing hemorrhage** is not a typical pathological feature of PJP. - This finding is more commonly associated with severe bacterial pneumonias, fungal infections like **aspergillosis**, or vasculitic processes [1]. *Pleural effusion* - **Pleural effusion** is an infrequent finding in uncomplicated PJP, occurring in less than 5% of cases. - When present, it often suggests a co-infection or other underlying pathology, rather than being a characteristic feature of PJP itself. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Respiratory Tract Disease, pp. 318-319.

Q: Mesothelioma is caused by –

Asbestosis. ***Asbestosis*** - **Mesothelioma** is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor that primarily affects the **pleura** (lining of the lungs), **peritoneum** (abdominal lining), or **pericardium** (heart lining) [1]. - The primary causative agent is **asbestos fiber exposure**, typically occurring in occupational settings (shipbuilding, construction, asbestos mining) [1]. - **Asbestosis** refers to the chronic interstitial lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis) also caused by asbestos exposure. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis result from the same etiological agent—**asbestos fibers** [2]. - There is a long latency period (20-40 years) between asbestos exposure and development of mesothelioma [2]. *Bagassosis* - **Bagassosis** is a type of **hypersensitivity pneumonitis** caused by inhaling dust from **moldy sugarcane (bagasse)** [1]. - It causes allergic alveolitis with granuloma formation but is **not associated with mesothelioma**. *Silicosis* - **Silicosis** is a pneumoconiosis caused by inhaling **crystalline silica dust** (occupations: sandblasting, mining, stone cutting) [1]. - It causes nodular fibrosis and increases risk of tuberculosis and lung cancer, but is **not linked to mesothelioma**. *Anthracosis* - **Anthracosis** is caused by **carbon/coal dust** accumulation in the lungs, seen in coal miners and urban dwellers [1]. - It causes black pigmentation of lung tissue and is the mildest form of coal worker's pneumoconiosis, but **does not cause mesothelioma**. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, p. 695. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Respiratory Tract Disease, pp. 339-340.

Q: What is the infraclavicular lesion of tuberculosis known as?

Simon's focus. ***Simon's focus*** - **Simon's focus** refers to a tuberculous lesion in the **apical region** (infraclavicular area) that is typically found in adults - It is considered an initial lesion of **secondary pulmonary tuberculosis**, often arising from reactivation or endogenous reinfection - Located in the **upper lung zones**, particularly the apical and posterior segments *Assmann's focus* - **Assmann's focus** describes tuberculosis lesions that are typically found in the **apices of the upper lobes** or the superior segment of the lower lobes - These are often **early infiltrative lesions** in post-primary tuberculosis - Similar location to Simon's focus but represents a different stage of disease *Ghon's focus* - A **Ghon's focus** is a primary tuberculous lesion, usually located in the **mid-zone of the lungs**, and is typically subpleural - It is the initial lesion that develops after **primary infection** with *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* - Part of the **Ghon complex** (Ghon focus + associated lymph node involvement) *Puhl's focus* - **Puhl's focus** represents a **small, circumscribed tuberculous lesion** often found in the **lower lobes** - It is another term for a benign, usually calcified lesion in the context of tuberculosis

Q: Maximum predisposition to tuberculosis is seen in which pneumoconiosis?

Silicosis. ***Silicosis*** - **Silicosis** is particularly associated with an increased risk of developing **tuberculosis** due to the impairment of alveolar macrophage function [1]. - Silica particles interfere with the ability of macrophages to destroy *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, leading to a higher susceptibility to infection and reactivation of latent tuberculosis [1]. - This classic association is known as **silicotuberculosis**. *Anthracosis* - **Anthracosis** (coal worker's pneumoconiosis) is caused by inhaling coal dust and, while it can impair lung function, it has a weaker association with tuberculosis compared to silicosis [2]. - The carbon particles in anthracosis are relatively inert and typically do not induce the same level of macrophage dysfunction as silica. *Byssinosis* - **Byssinosis** is an occupational lung disease caused by exposure to cotton, flax, or hemp dust, often presenting with chest tightness towards the beginning of the work week. - It is not specifically predisposed to tuberculosis, as it involves an inflammatory response to organic dusts rather than crystalline silica. *Bagassosis* - **Bagassosis** is a hypersensitivity pneumonitis resulting from exposure to *Thermophilic actinomycetes* found in moldy sugarcane (bagasse) [2]. - This condition is an allergic reaction in the lungs and does not have a significant association with an increased risk of tuberculosis. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 697-698. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, p. 695.

Q: Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy with non caseating granuloma is seen in

Sarcoidosis. ***Sarcoidosis*** - **Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy** is a classic radiographic finding in sarcoidosis, often representing hilar nodes involvement [1]. - The hallmark histological feature of sarcoidosis is the presence of **non-caseating granulomas** in affected tissues, which can be seen in the lymph nodes. *All of the options* - While other conditions can cause hilar lymphadenopathy, not all of them present with **non-caseating granulomas** specifically. - Granulomas in diseases like TB are typically **caseating**, which differentiates them from sarcoidosis. *TB* - Tuberculosis usually presents with **caseating granulomas**, characterized by a central area of necrosis, unlike the non-caseating granulomas of sarcoidosis. - While TB can cause hilar lymphadenopathy, the nature of the granuloma found on biopsy is typically different. *Lymphoma* - Lymphoma is a malignancy of lymphocytes and presents with **lymphadenopathy** due to proliferation of abnormal lymphoid cells, not granuloma formation. - The histological features of lymphoma involve effacement of normal lymph node architecture by malignant cells, rather than granulomas.

Q: Interstitial Emphysema may be found in the following conditions -

All of the options. ***All of the options*** - **Interstitial emphysema** refers to the presence of air in the interstitial tissues, often due to a leak from the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract, and can occur in various traumatic or iatrogenic contexts. [1] - **Surgical wounds**, **tracheostomies**, and **chest injuries** all present pathways for air to enter the interstitial spaces. *Surgical wound* - A **surgical wound**, especially around the chest or neck, can become a site of air leakage from the respiratory system, leading to **subcutaneous emphysema** or interstitial emphysema in the surrounding tissues. - This can be due to damaged lung or airway tissue during surgery or a persistent air leak from a poorly closed incision. *Tracheostomy* - A **tracheostomy** creates an opening into the trachea, and air can leak around the stoma or through a compromised airway wall into the neck tissues, causing **subcutaneous emphysema** locally. - Incorrect placement, cuff overinflation, or infection around the tracheostomy site can exacerbate air leakage. *Chest injury* - **Chest injuries**, such as **pneumothorax** or direct trauma to the lung and airways, can cause air to escape into the pleural space and then dissect into the interstitial tissues of the chest wall or mediastinum. [1] - This is a common finding in **blunt or penetrating chest trauma**, where alveolar or bronchial rupture allows air to track into surrounding tissues. [1] **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Respiratory Tract Disease, pp. 327-328.

Q: A young lady presented with bilateral nodular lesions on shins. She was also found to have bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy on chest X-ray. Mantoux test reveals indurations of 5 mms. Skin biopsy would reveal:

Non caseating Granuloma. ***Non-caseating Granuloma*** - This clinical presentation of **bilateral nodular lesions on shins** (**erythema nodosum**) [1] and **bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy** is highly suggestive of **sarcoidosis**. [2] - **Sarcoidosis** is characterized by the presence of **non-caseating granulomas** in affected tissues, including the skin (erythema nodosum) and lymph nodes. [2] *Vasculitis* - While vasculitis can cause skin lesions, the characteristic presentation of erythema nodosum is a form of **panniculitis** (inflammation of subcutaneous fat) rather than true vasculitis. - Vasculitis typically involves inflammation and damage to **blood vessel walls**, which is not the primary histological finding in sarcoidosis-associated skin lesions. *Caseating Granuloma* - **Caseating granulomas** are the hallmark of **tuberculosis** and certain fungal infections, and they involve central necrosis ("caseation"). - The positive Mantoux test (5 mm induration) is equivocal; while it could indicateMycobacterium exposure, the overall constellation of findings points away from active TB as the primary diagnosis, which would typically show caseating granulomas. *Malignant cells* - This clinical picture does not align with a primary malignancy. While malignancies can cause various skin lesions or lymphadenopathy, the specific combination strongly suggests an inflammatory or granulomatous disease. - Skin biopsies would reveal **granulomatous inflammation** rather than malignant cellular proliferation in this context. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Disorders Involving Inflammatory And Haemopoietic Cells, pp. 641-642. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 700-701.

Question 1

Which of the following conditions is characterized by the presence of hyaline deposits in alveolar walls?

Accepted Answer

Hyaline membrane disease

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Chronic bronchitis

Answer

Interstitial lung disease

Question 2

Ghon’s focus is found in

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary tuberculosis

Answer

Asbestosis

Answer

Leprosy

Answer

Sarcoidosis

Question 3

The following features are hallmarks of postprimary pulmonary tuberculosis except-

Accepted Answer

The disease is usually localized to the anterior segment of the upper lobe

Answer

If cavity formation occurs, satellite lesions result from the discharge of liquefied contents into the airways

Answer

It results from endogenous reactivation of latent infection

Answer

Up to one-third of untreated patients die due to severe pulmonary TB within a few weeks or months after onset

Question 4

True statement regarding pathology of pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia:

Accepted Answer

Alveoli are filled with foamy exudates

Answer

Interstitial pneumonitis with foamy vacuoles

Answer

Necrotising hemorrhage

Answer

Pleural effusion

Question 5

Mesothelioma is caused by –

Accepted Answer

Asbestosis

Answer

Bagassosis

Answer

Silicosis

Answer

Anthracosis

Question 6

What is the infraclavicular lesion of tuberculosis known as?

Accepted Answer

Simon's focus

Answer

Assman's focus

Answer

Ghon's focus

Answer

Puhl's focus

Question 7

Maximum predisposition to tuberculosis is seen in which pneumoconiosis?

Accepted Answer

Silicosis

Answer

Anthracosis

Answer

Byssinosis

Answer

Bagassosis

Question 8

Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy with non caseating granuloma is seen in

Accepted Answer

Sarcoidosis

Answer

All of the options

Answer

TB

Answer

Lymphoma

Question 9

Interstitial Emphysema may be found in the following conditions -

Accepted Answer

All of the options

Answer

Surgical wound

Answer

Tracheostomy

Answer

Chest injury

Question 10

A young lady presented with bilateral nodular lesions on shins. She was also found to have bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy on chest X-ray. Mantoux test reveals indurations of 5 mms. Skin biopsy would reveal:

Accepted Answer

Non caseating Granuloma

Answer

Vasculitis

Answer

Caseating Granuloma

Answer

Malignant cells

Respiratory Pathology — MCQs

Respiratory Pathology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?