NEET-PG 2012 - Internal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following conditions is most commonly associated with resorption of the distal phalanx?

Scleroderma. ***Scleroderma*** - **Scleroderma** (systemic sclerosis) can cause characteristic changes in the distal phalanges, specifically **acro-osteolysis**, leading to resorption of the **distal tufts** [1]. - This is often associated with **Raynaud's phenomenon**, **digital ischemia**, and **calcinosis**, leading to severe circulatory compromise in the digits [1]. *Hyperparathyroidism* - **Primary hyperparathyroidism** causes bone resorption due to increased parathyroid hormone, primarily affecting the **subperiosteal bone** (especially in the radial aspect of the middle phalanges), leading to a "lace-like" appearance on X-ray. - While it causes bone resorption, **distal phalanx tuft resorption** is not its most common or prominent skeletal feature compared to scleroderma. *Reiter's syndrome* - **Reiter's syndrome** (now known as reactive arthritis) is an inflammatory arthropathy usually involving large joints of the lower extremities in an **asymmetric** pattern. - It does not typically cause **resorption of the distal phalanx**; instead, it's associated with enthesitis, dactylitis, and periostitis. *Osteitis deformans (Paget's disease)* - **Paget's disease** is characterized by abnormal bone remodeling, leading to enlarged, deformed bones that are prone to fracture, predominantly affecting the **pelvis, spine, skull, and long bones**. - It causes areas of localized bone destruction and excessive bone formation, but **distal phalanx resorption** is not a feature of this condition.

Q: Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Crohn's disease?

Sinus & fistula. ***Sinus & fistula*** - **Transmural inflammation**, a hallmark of Crohn's disease, can extend through the bowel wall, leading to the formation of **sinus tracts** and **fistulae** (abnormal connections between organs or to the skin). [1] - These complications include enteroenteric, enterovesical, and perianal fistulae, which are highly characteristic of Crohn's. [1] *Continuous involvement* - Crohn's disease is characterized by **skip lesions**, meaning there are healthy segments of bowel interspersed with diseased segments, not continuous involvement. [1] - **Ulcerative colitis** typically presents with continuous inflammation, starting from the rectum and extending proximally. [1] *Mesenteric lymphadenitis* - While mesenteric lymph nodes can be involved in Crohn's disease due to inflammation, **mesenteric lymphadenitis** is more commonly associated with infectious etiologies or other inflammatory conditions, and not a primary defining characteristic. - It refers to inflammation of lymph nodes in the mesentery, which can cause abdominal pain but does not specifically differentiate Crohn's from other conditions. *Crypt abscesses* - **Crypt abscesses** are a characteristic histological feature of **ulcerative colitis**, where neutrophils infiltrate the glandular crypts. [1] - While they can occasionally be seen in Crohn's, they are much more common and prominent in ulcerative colitis and are not a defining feature of Crohn's.

Q: Which of the following statements is MOST accurate regarding herpes encephalitis?

The temporal lobe is commonly involved.. ***The temporal lobe is commonly involved.*** - **Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)** characteristically targets the **temporal lobes** [1] and **orbitofrontal cortex**, leading to specific neurological deficits. - This predilection for the temporal lobes often results in symptoms such as **aphasia**, **seizures**, and **memory disturbances** [1]. *Focal neurological symptoms are common.* - While focal neurological symptoms such as **aphasia**, **hemiparesis**, and **seizures** are indeed common in HSE [1], this statement is less specific than the involvement of the temporal lobe. - The **localization** of the infection to the temporal lobes explains why these focal symptoms are so prevalent [1]. *MRI is a key diagnostic tool.* - **MRI findings**, particularly **T2-weighted** and **FLAIR sequences**, showing **edema** and **hemorrhage** in the temporal lobes and insular cortex, are highly suggestive of HSE. - However, the most definitive diagnostic tool remains the detection of **HSV DNA** in the **cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)** via **PCR**. *EEG findings are nonspecific and not diagnostic.* - **EEG** in HSE often shows **periodic lateralizing epileptiform discharges (PLEDs)** or **focal slowing** primarily over the temporal lobes, which are highly suggestive, although not entirely diagnostic on their own. - These findings can help guide further investigation and support a clinical diagnosis in conjunction with other tests.

Q: Oculoorogenital ulcers are associated with which of the following conditions?

Behcet's disease. ***Behcet's disease*** - This condition is characterized by **recurrent oral and genital ulcers**, along with **ocular inflammation** (e.g., uveitis), perfectly matching the "Oculoorogenital ulcers" description. - It is a **chronic, relapsing inflammatory disease** of unknown etiology involving vasculitis affecting various organ systems. *Lichen planus* - This is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the **skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes**. - While it can cause oral lesions, it typically presents as **purple, polygonal, pruritic papules** on the skin and does not cause genital ulcers or significant ocular involvement like Behcet's. *Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)* - SLE is a **systemic autoimmune disease** with diverse manifestations, including skin rashes, arthritis, and internal organ involvement. - Oral ulcers can occur, but **genital ulcers and severe ocular inflammation** as a prominent triad are not typical diagnostic features of SLE. *Psoriasis* - This is a common **chronic inflammatory skin disease** characterized by well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery scales. - Psoriasis primarily affects the skin and joints, and **does not typically present with oral, genital, or ocular ulcers** as described.

Q: Migraine is due to

Cortical spreading depression. ***Cortical spreading depression*** - The current understanding is that **cortical spreading depression (CSD)** is the initiating event in migraine with aura, characterized by a wave of neuronal and glial depolarization that spreads across the cerebral cortex, leading to a temporary shutdown of neuronal activity [1]. - CSD is thought to activate the **trigeminal nerve**, subsequently causing the release of inflammatory neuropeptides and contributing to the pain phase [1]. *Dilatation of cranial blood vessels* - While **vasodilation of intracranial and extracranial blood vessels** does occur during the headache phase of migraine, it is now considered a *consequence* of the initial neurological events rather than the primary cause [1]. - This vasodilation contributes to the throbbing sensation of migraine pain but does not explain the aura or the initiation of the attack. *Constriction of cranial blood vessels* - **Vasoconstriction** was previously thought to be the cause of the migraine aura, but this theory has largely been disproven. - While some temporary constriction may precede CSD, it is not the primary mechanism behind the migraine attack. *Inflammation of the meninges* - While **neurogenic inflammation** of the meninges, involving the release of inflammatory mediators like **calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)**, does play a role in sensitizing the trigeminal system and contributing to migraine pain, it is a downstream effect. - It is not the initial trigger for a migraine attack but rather part of the pain pathway activated by events like CSD.

Q: What is true about HER2/neu overexpression in cancer?

Responds well to monoclonal antibodies. ***Responds well to monoclonal antibodies*** - HER2/neu overexpression is targeted by **monoclonal antibodies** like trastuzumab (Herceptin), improving treatment outcomes [1]. - These therapies are specifically designed to **inhibit HER2-positive** tumors, leading to better overall prognosis compared to those without such therapies [1]. *Good prognosis* - HER2/neu overexpression is generally associated with a **poor prognosis** due to increased aggressiveness of the cancer. - It correlates with **higher rates of recurrence** and metastasis compared to HER2-negative breast cancers. *Responds well to taxanes* - While taxanes are commonly used in breast cancer treatment, HER2/neu positivity does not specifically imply a good response. - Response rates may not significantly differ based on HER2 status for taxane-based therapies alone. *Seen only in breast cancer* - HER2/neu overexpression can also occur in other cancers, such as **gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers**. - It is not exclusive to breast cancer, though it is most commonly studied in this context [1].

Q: Kussmaul's sign is classically described in:

Chronic inflammatory heart condition. ***Chronic inflammatory heart condition*** - **Kussmaul's sign**, characterized by a paradoxical rise in **jugular venous pressure (JVP)** during inspiration, is classically seen in conditions like **constrictive pericarditis** [1], which is often a chronic inflammatory heart condition. - This sign reflects the heart's inability to accommodate increased venous return during inspiration due to a rigid, fibrotic pericardium [1]. *Acute cardiac compression* - **Cardiac tamponade** [3], a form of acute cardiac compression, typically presents with **pulsus paradoxus** and muffled heart sounds, not Kussmaul's sign. - While it involves elevated JVP, the paradoxical inspiratory rise is less common compared to constrictive pericarditis. *Acute myocardial damage* - **Acute myocardial infarction** [2] or myocarditis, leading to acute myocardial damage, primarily causes symptoms related to reduced cardiac output and arrhythmias, such as chest pain or dyspnea. - Kussmaul's sign is not a typical feature of acute myocardial damage because the pericardium is usually not rigid or constricting. *Chronic ventricular stiffening* - Conditions involving **chronic ventricular stiffening**, such as **restrictive cardiomyopathy**, can mimic some features of constrictive pericarditis, including elevated JVP and sometimes Kussmaul's sign. - However, the classic description and most prominent cases of Kussmaul's sign are associated with external compression from a diseased pericardium rather than intrinsic myocardial stiffness, although differentiation can be challenging.

Q: Neurofibromatosis true all, except-

Autosomal recessive. Autosomal recessive - Neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2 are autosomal dominant disorders, not autosomal recessive. - This indicates that only one copy of the mutated gene is sufficient to cause the condition, and it can be passed from one affected parent to their children with a 50% probability. Associated with cataract - Juvenile posterior subcapsular cataracts are a known ocular manifestation, particularly in Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). - This is a common finding and one of the diagnostic criteria for NF2. Multiple fibroma - Neurofibromas (benign tumors of peripheral nerves) are characteristic features of Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). - These can be cutaneous, subcutaneous, or plexiform and are often numerous. Scoliosis - Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) is a common musculoskeletal complication associated with Neurofibromatosis, especially NF1. - It can be dystrophic or non-dystrophic and may require surgical intervention in severe cases.

Q: Which of the following provide protection against malaria except

PNH. ***PNH*** - **Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)** is a rare, acquired clonal disorder of hematopoietic stem cells characterized by complement-mediated hemolysis. - It does not offer any known protective advantage against malaria infection; in fact, chronic hemolysis could potentially complicate malaria diagnosis or management. *Thalassemia* - Individuals with **thalassemia traits (heterozygotes)**, particularly alpha-thalassemia, have red blood cells that are more resistant to malarial parasite invasion and growth [1]. - This protection is thought to arise from altered red cell morphology, reduced parasite multiplication, and enhanced clearance of infected cells. *Sickle cell anemia* - The **heterozygous state (sickle cell trait)** provides significant protection against severe malaria, as the altered hemoglobin S in red blood cells inhibits parasite growth and promotes early clearance of infected cells [1], [2]. - Although the homozygous state (sickle cell anemia) can be severe, even carriers benefit from reduced malaria susceptibility. *Duffy blood group* - Absence of the **Duffy antigen on red blood cells**, common in West African populations, provides complete protection against infection with **Plasmodium vivax** malaria. - The Duffy antigen receptor is essential for *P. vivax* to invade human red blood cells.

Question 1

Which of the following conditions is most commonly associated with resorption of the distal phalanx?

Accepted Answer

Scleroderma

Answer

Hyperparathyroidism

Answer

Reiter's syndrome

Answer

Osteitis deformans (Paget's disease)

Question 2

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Crohn's disease?

Accepted Answer

Sinus & fistula

Answer

Mesenteric lymphadenitis

Answer

Continuous involvement

Answer

Crypt abscesses

Question 3

Which of the following statements is MOST accurate regarding herpes encephalitis?

Accepted Answer

The temporal lobe is commonly involved.

Answer

Focal neurological symptoms are common.

Answer

EEG findings are nonspecific and not diagnostic.

Answer

MRI is a key diagnostic tool.

Question 4

Oculoorogenital ulcers are associated with which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Behcet's disease

Answer

Lichen planus

Answer

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Answer

Psoriasis

Question 5

Migraine is due to

Accepted Answer

Cortical spreading depression

Answer

Dilatation of cranial blood vessels

Answer

Constriction of cranial blood vessels

Answer

Inflammation of the meninges

Question 6

What is true about HER2/neu overexpression in cancer?

Accepted Answer

Responds well to monoclonal antibodies

Answer

Good prognosis

Answer

Responds well to taxanes

Answer

Seen in various cancers, including breast cancer

Question 7

Kussmaul's sign is classically described in:

Accepted Answer

Chronic inflammatory heart condition

Answer

Acute myocardial damage

Answer

Acute cardiac compression

Answer

Chronic ventricular stiffening

Question 8

Neurofibromatosis true all, except-

Accepted Answer

Autosomal recessive

Answer

Associated with cataract

Answer

Multiple fibroma

Answer

Scoliosis

Question 9

Which of the following provide protection against malaria except

Accepted Answer

PNH

Answer

Thalassemia

Answer

Sickle cell anemia

Answer

Duffy blood group

NEET-PG 2012 — Internal Medicine