FMGE 2019 - Internal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis is a rare and dangerous complication of;

Measles. ***Measles*** - **Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)** is a rare, fatal degenerative disease of the central nervous system caused by persistent infection with a defective **measles virus**. [1] - It typically develops **years after the initial measles infection**, affecting children and young adults, leading to cognitive decline, seizures, and motor dysfunction. [1], [2] *Rubella* - While rubella can cause congenital rubella syndrome, it is **not associated with SSPE**. - Complications of rubella usually involve birth defects, such as **cardiac malformations**, **deafness**, and **cataracts**, when acquired during pregnancy. *Varicella* - **Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)** causes chickenpox and shingles, but it is **not a known cause of SSPE**. - Neurological complications of VZV can include **cerebellar ataxia** or **encephalitis** acutely, or **postherpetic neuralgia** in later life. *Mumps* - Mumps virus can cause **parotitis**, **orchitis**, and **meningitis/encephalitis**, but it is **not implicated in the development of SSPE**. - The encephalitis associated with mumps typically occurs during the acute infection and generally has a good prognosis.

Q: A lady presents with amenorrhea and galactorrhea. What is the most likely cause?

Pituitary adenoma. ### Pituitary adenoma - A **prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma** (prolactinoma) is the most common cause of sustained **hyperprolactinemia**, leading to both **amenorrhea** and **galactorrhea** [1]. - **Elevated prolactin levels** inhibit gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility, leading to reduced LH and FSH, causing anovulation and amenorrhea, alongside direct stimulation of breast tissue for galactorrhea [1], [2]. ### *None of the options* - This option is incorrect as **pituitary adenoma** is a highly plausible cause for the presented symptoms. - The combination of **amenorrhea** and **galactorrhea** is a classic presentation of hyperprolactinemia, often due to a pituitary adenoma [1]. ### *Adrenal hyperplasia* - **Adrenal hyperplasia** typically involves overproduction of androgens or cortisol, leading to symptoms like **hirsutism**, **virilization**, or **Cushing's syndrome**, rather than galactorrhea [3]. - While it can cause menstrual irregularities, it does not directly cause **galactorrhea**, which is primarily linked to prolactin excess [1], [3]. ### *7α-hydroxylase deficiency* - **7α-hydroxylase deficiency** is a rare genetic disorder affecting **bile acid synthesis**, not directly related to reproductive hormones or prolactin regulation. - Its clinical manifestations are primarily related to **liver disease** due to abnormal bile acid metabolism and would not present with amenorrhea and galactorrhea.

Q: Which of the following is included in Celiac sprue diet?

Quinoa. ***Quinoa*** - Quinoa is a **naturally gluten-free grain** and is therefore safe for individuals with Celiac disease. - It serves as an excellent source of **protein, fiber, and essential nutrients**, making it a healthy and suitable staple in a gluten-free diet. *Wheat* - Wheat contains **gluten**, a protein that triggers an autoimmune response in individuals with Celiac disease [1]. - Consumption of wheat leads to damage of the **small intestinal villi**, causing malabsorption and various symptoms [2]. *Barley* - Barley also contains **gluten**, making it unsuitable for a Celiac sprue diet [1]. - It is often found in various food products, including malt, and must be strictly avoided to prevent **intestinal damage** [1]. *Rye* - Rye is another grain that contains **gluten** and is thus prohibited for individuals with Celiac disease [1]. - Similar to wheat and barley, consuming rye can provoke an **immune reaction** that damages the small intestine [2].

Q: All are risk factors of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma except:

GERD. ***GERD*** - **Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)** is strongly associated with **esophageal adenocarcinoma**, not esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. - Chronic acid reflux can lead to **Barrett's esophagus**, which is a precursor to adenocarcinoma [1]. *Smoking* - **Smoking** is a significant and well-documented risk factor for **esophageal squamous cell carcinoma**, increasing the risk in a dose-dependent manner. - Carcinogens in tobacco smoke directly damage esophageal epithelial cells, promoting malignant transformation. *Achalasia cardia* - **Achalasia cardia** involves impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and loss of peristalsis, leading to food stasis and chronic inflammation [2]. - This chronic irritation and inflammation significantly increase the risk of developing **esophageal squamous cell carcinoma**. *Alcohol* - **Alcohol consumption**, especially heavy drinking, is a major risk factor for **esophageal squamous cell carcinoma**. - Alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen, which directly damages DNA in esophageal cells.

Q: A lady, when exposed to cold, experiences extremities turning blue. Which of the following antibodies is associated with this condition?

Anti-SCL-70. Anti-SCL-70 - The symptom of extremities turning blue, especially upon cold exposure, describes **Raynaud's phenomenon**, a common feature of **systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)** [1]. - **Anti-SCL-70 antibodies** (topoisomerase 1 antibodies) are highly specific for **diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis**, a severe form of the disease often associated with Raynaud's. *Anti-RO* - **Anti-RO (SSA) antibodies** are primarily associated with **Sjögren's syndrome** and **subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus**, conditions not typically characterized by prominent Raynaud's as the presenting symptom [2]. - While Sjögren's syndrome can have Raynaud's, it's not the defining feature and other symptoms like **dry eyes** and **dry mouth** would likely be present. *Anti-SS-B* - **Anti-SS-B (La) antibodies** are also associated with **Sjögren's syndrome**, often appearing alongside anti-RO antibodies [2]. - Their presence does not directly point to diffuse systemic sclerosis or severe Raynaud's as the primary condition. *Anti-SS-A* - **Anti-SS-A (RO) antibodies** are primarily linked to **Sjögren's syndrome** and **neonatal lupus**, and can also be seen in **systemic lupus erythematosus** [2]. - While Raynaud's can occur in lupus, the presence of isolated cold-induced blue extremities points more strongly towards systemic sclerosis given the provided options.

Q: True about Crohn's disease except

Rectum is involved. ***Rectum is involved*** - While Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, **rectal involvement is much less common** and often spares the rectum in typical cases, especially when compared to ulcerative colitis. [1] - The disease typically exhibits **skip lesions**, meaning there are healthy segments of the bowel between affected areas, and the rectum is frequently one of these spared regions. [1] *Transmural* - Crohn's disease is characterized by **transmural inflammation**, meaning the inflammation extends through all layers of the bowel wall, from the mucosa to the serosa. [1] - This transmural involvement can lead to complications such as **fistulas, strictures, and abscesses**. *Recurrence is more common* - **Recurrence after surgery is very common** in Crohn's disease, with many patients experiencing disease relapse within a few years post-operation. - This high recurrence rate often necessitates ongoing medical management and sometimes further surgical interventions. *Fissures are formed* - Due to the **transmural inflammation** and chronic nature of Crohn's disease, patients often develop **fissures**, which are deep cracks or excoriations, particularly in the perianal area. - These fissures can be quite painful and complicated by **fistula formation** or abscesses.

Question 1

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis is a rare and dangerous complication of;

Accepted Answer

Measles

Answer

Rubella

Answer

Varicella

Answer

Mumps

Question 2

A lady presents with amenorrhea and galactorrhea. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Pituitary adenoma

Answer

None of the options

Answer

Adrenal hyperplasia

Answer

7α-hydroxylase deficiency

Question 3

Which of the following is included in Celiac sprue diet?

Accepted Answer

Quinoa

Answer

Wheat

Answer

Barley

Answer

Rye

Question 4

All are risk factors of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma except:

Accepted Answer

GERD

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Achalasia cardia

Answer

Alcohol

Question 5

A lady, when exposed to cold, experiences extremities turning blue. Which of the following antibodies is associated with this condition?

Accepted Answer

Anti-SCL-70

Answer

Anti-RO

Answer

Anti-SS-B

Answer

Anti-SS-A

Question 6

True about Crohn's disease except

Accepted Answer

Rectum is involved

Answer

Transmural

Answer

Recurrence is more common

Answer

Fissures are formed

FMGE 2019 — Internal Medicine