NEET-PG 2013 - Internal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Most common hematological malignancy associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGLL). ***Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGLL)*** - **LGLL** is the most common hematological malignancy strongly associated with **rheumatoid arthritis (RA)**, often presenting with features such as **neutropenia** and splenomegaly. - Approximately 80% of patients with LGLL have a **T-cell phenotype**, and a significant subset experiences **autoimmune diseases**, with RA being the most frequent. *Diffuse large B cell lymphoma* - While patients with **RA** have an increased risk of **lymphoma**, **diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)** is a more aggressive type but not the most common hematologic malignancy directly associated with the disease itself in terms of prevalence [3]. - Inflammatory conditions like **RA** can contribute to chronic immune stimulation, increasing the risk of certain lymphomas, but LGLL holds a more direct and prevalent association [1]. *Chronic lymphocytic leukemia* - **Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)** is a lymphoproliferative disorder of **B lymphocytes**, but it does not have a particularly strong or common association with **RA** compared to LGLL [2]. - The elevated risk of hematological malignancies in RA patients typically points more towards lymphoproliferative disorders driven by specific immune dysregulations characteristic of RA. *T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia* - **T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL)** is a rare and aggressive **T-cell leukemia** that generally presents with a high white blood cell count and splenomegaly, but it is not commonly linked with **RA**. - Its clinical presentation and biology are distinct from the more indolent leukemias like LGLL that are often seen in conjunction with autoimmune conditions.

Q: What is the primary cause of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome?

Adrenal hemorrhage after meningococcal infection. ***Adrenal hemorrhage after meningococcal infection*** - **Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome** is characterized by **massive, bilateral adrenal hemorrhage**, leading to acute adrenal insufficiency [1]. - It is most commonly associated with overwhelming **meningococcal sepsis**, particularly due to *Neisseria meningitidis* [1]. *Adrenal hemorrhage post malignancy* - While malignancies can cause adrenal hemorrhage, it is not the primary cause of **Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome**. - This syndrome is specifically linked to severe **bacterial sepsis**, not typically cancer-related adrenal bleeding [1]. *Congenital adrenal deficiency* - **Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)** involves genetic defects affecting cortisol synthesis, leading to chronic adrenal insufficiency. - It does not involve acute **adrenal hemorrhage** as seen in Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome. *Adrenal hemorrhage after corticosteroid withdrawal* - Abrupt withdrawal of corticosteroids can precipitate an **adrenal crisis** due to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis [2]. - However, it does not typically cause the characteristic **massive adrenal hemorrhage** seen in Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome [2].

Q: All of the following are features of Obstructive jaundice except:

Normal alkaline phosphatase. ***Normal alkaline phosphatase*** - In obstructive jaundice, alkaline phosphatase is typically **elevated** due to bile duct obstruction [2]. - A **normal level** suggests that the jaundice may not be of obstructive origin. *Pruritis* - Often seen in obstructive jaundice due to **bile salts** accumulating in the bloodstream, leading to itching. - It is a common symptom associated with **cholestasis**. *Mildly elevated serum aminotransferases level* - In obstructive jaundice, serum aminotransferases are usually elevated, though may be mildly in early cases [1]. - This reflects liver involvement, which is consistent with biliary obstruction [2]. *Clay colour stools* - Clay-colored stools arise from the absence of **bile** in the intestines, indicative of obstruction [3]. - This is a direct result of blockage in the bile duct system affecting stool pigmentation [3].

Q: Which of the following is NOT an indication for a liver biopsy?

Amoebic hepatitis. ***Amoebic hepatitis*** - Liver biopsy is **not routinely indicated** for amoebic hepatitis as diagnosis is typically made through clinical history and serological tests. - The condition is usually managed with **medications** rather than requiring invasive procedures like a biopsy. *Wilson's disease* - Liver biopsy is important for assessing **copper accumulation** in Wilson's disease, establishing a diagnosis. - It may also provide information regarding the extent of **hepatocellular damage**. *Chronic hepatitis B and C* - In chronic hepatitis B and C, liver biopsy is crucial to evaluate the **degree of fibrosis** and hepatic inflammation. - It assists in determining the need for **antiviral therapy** and prognostication. *Autoimmune hepatitis* - Liver biopsy helps confirm the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis and assess the **severity of liver damage**. [1] - It also aids in monitoring the response to **immunosuppressive therapy**. [1] **Note on technique:** Percutaneous liver biopsy requires specific conditions for safety, such as cooperative patients and adequate coagulation profiles. [2]

Q: Impotence is a feature of which of the following:

Multiple sclerosis. ***Multiple sclerosis*** - **Erectile dysfunction** (impotence) is a common symptom in men with multiple sclerosis, often resulting from **demyelination** in nerve pathways controlling sexual function [1], [2]. - MS can affect various neurological functions, leading to problems with **autonomic nervous system** control, sensation, and motor coordination, all of which can impact sexual health. *Poliomyelitis* - Poliomyelitis primarily affects the **anterior horn cells** of the spinal cord, leading to acute **flaccid paralysis** of muscles. - While it can cause muscle weakness and atrophy, it is not typically associated with chronic impotence or sexual dysfunction as a primary feature. *Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis* - ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting **motor neurons**, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and spasticity. - It primarily impacts voluntary muscle movement and does not directly cause impotence, although the physical limitations and psychological stress can indirectly affect sexual function. *Meningitis* - Meningitis is an inflammation of the **meninges** (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) caused by infection. - Its symptoms include headache, fever, and neck stiffness, and while severe cases can lead to neurological complications, impotence is not a typical direct consequence.

Q: Which of the following is commonly seen in Polycythemia Vera?

Thrombosis. ***Spontaneous severe infection*** - In Polycythemia Vera, there is usually an **increased red blood cell mass** leading to complications like thrombosis, rather than a predisposition to severe infections. - Severe infections are not a typical feature, as the condition usually maintains **functional immunity** despite hyperviscosity. *Thrombosis* - Individuals with Polycythemia Vera have increased blood viscosity that results in a higher risk of **thrombosis**, which is a common complication [1]. - Events like **deep vein thrombosis (DVT)** or **cerebral venous sinus thrombosis** are often observed due to altered hemodynamics. *Hyperuricemia* - Hyperuricemia occurs due to increased cell turnover and breakdown of red cells in Polycythemia Vera, leading to elevated **uric acid levels** [1]. - Patients may experience **gout attacks** as a consequence of this elevated uric acid [1]. *Prone for acute leukemia* - While there is an increased risk of transformation to myeloid neoplasms, the risk for **acute leukemia** is not directly attributed to Polycythemia Vera in most cases. - It is more related to myelofibrosis or secondary conditions developing over time rather than a direct association.

Q: Which of the following is not a recognized complication of chronic pancreatitis?

Renal artery thrombosis. ***Renal artery thrombosis*** - **Renal artery thrombosis** is generally associated with conditions like **atherosclerosis**, atrial fibrillation, or vasculitis, not directly with chronic pancreatitis. - While chronic pancreatitis can lead to systemic complications, direct renal arterial clotting is an atypical and **uncommon sequela**. *Pancreatic pseudocyst* - **Pancreatic pseudocysts** are common complications of chronic pancreatitis, occurring when fluid collections around the pancreas become walled off by fibrous tissue [1]. - They can cause pain, obstruction, and even rupture if left untreated [2]. *Splenic vein thrombosis* - **Splenic vein thrombosis** can result from inflammation and compression of the splenic vein by the diseased pancreatic tissue in chronic pancreatitis [1]. - This can lead to **splenomegaly** and **gastric varices** due to increased pressure in the portal system. *Pancreatic fistula* - A **pancreatic fistula** occurs when pancreatic fluid leaks from the gland, often forming a connection to another organ or the skin [2]. - This is a well-recognized complication of both acute and chronic pancreatitis, usually due to ductal disruption.

Q: In inflammatory myopathy, which group of muscles is not affected

Ocular. ***Ocular*** - The **extraocular muscles** responsible for eye movement are generally spared in typical inflammatory myopathies, distinguishing them from other neuromuscular disorders. - Inflammatory myopathies primarily affect **skeletal muscles**, but **ocular muscles** have unique immunological and physiological properties that often protect them. *Facial* - While less commonly affected early in the disease, some inflammatory myopathies, particularly **dermatomyositis**, can eventually involve **facial muscles**, leading to weakness. - Involvement of **facial muscles** can manifest as difficulty with smiling, whistling, or closing the eyelids. *Proximal muscles of limb* - Inflammatory myopathies characteristically cause **proximal muscle weakness**, affecting muscles of the **shoulders, hips, and thighs** [1]. - This weakness often presents as difficulty climbing stairs, getting up from a chair, or lifting objects overhead [1]. *Distal muscles of limb* - While less common than proximal involvement, **distal muscle weakness** (affecting hands and feet) can occur in some subsets of inflammatory myopathies, such as **inclusion body myositis**. - This can lead to difficulties with fine motor tasks or foot drop.

Q: Acute orchitis is characterized by all of the following except:

Decreased blood flow. ***Decreased blood flow*** - **Acute orchitis** is an inflammatory process that typically leads to increased blood flow (hyperemia) to the affected testis due to the inflammatory response. - Decreased blood flow would be more characteristic of conditions like **testicular torsion**, which is an emergent condition causing ischemia. *Increased local temperature* - **Inflammation** is characterized by the classic signs of rubor (redness) and calor (heat), leading to an **increased local temperature** in the affected area. - This is a common finding in acute orchitis due to the inflammatory response. *Erythematous scrotum* - The inflammatory process in orchitis causes **vasodilation** and increased vascular permeability, leading to redness and swelling of the overlying scrotal skin. - An **erythematous scrotum** is a typical clinical sign of acute orchitis. *Raised TLC* - **TLC (Total Leukocyte Count)** is often elevated in cases of acute infection or inflammation, such as orchitis. - A **raised TLC** indicates a systemic inflammatory response to the infection.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a feature of Refsum disease?

CCF. ***CCF*** - **Congestive cardiac failure (CCF)** is generally **not a primary feature** or common complication of Refsum disease. While some cardiac abnormalities can occur, severe CCF is rare. - Refsum disease is characterized by the accumulation of **phytanic acid**, which primarily affects the nervous system, skin, and eyes. *Ataxia* - **Cerebellar ataxia** is a very common and prominent neurological symptom in Refsum disease, due to damage to the cerebellum. - Patients often present with **unsteady gait and poor coordination**. *Ichthyosis* - **Ichthyosis** (dry, scaly skin) is a characteristic dermatological manifestation of Refsum disease, occurring in nearly all patients. - It is caused by the disruption of **lipid metabolism** in the skin due to phytanic acid accumulation. *Retinitis pigmentosa* - **Retinitis pigmentosa** is one of the classic ocular features of Refsum disease, leading to **night blindness** and progressive **visual field loss**. - It involves the degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the retina.

Question 1

Most common hematological malignancy associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Accepted Answer

Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGLL)

Answer

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Answer

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Answer

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia

Question 2

What is the primary cause of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal hemorrhage after meningococcal infection

Answer

Adrenal hemorrhage post malignancy

Answer

Adrenal hemorrhage after corticosteroid withdrawal

Answer

Congenital adrenal deficiency

Question 3

All of the following are features of Obstructive jaundice except:

Accepted Answer

Normal alkaline phosphatase

Answer

Clay colour stools

Answer

Pruritis

Answer

Elevated serum aminotransferases level

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT an indication for a liver biopsy?

Accepted Answer

Amoebic hepatitis

Answer

Chronic hepatitis B and C

Answer

Autoimmune hepatitis

Answer

Wilson's disease

Question 5

Impotence is a feature of which of the following:

Accepted Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Answer

Poliomyelitis

Answer

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Answer

Meningitis

Question 6

Which of the following is commonly seen in Polycythemia Vera?

Accepted Answer

Thrombosis

Answer

Hyperuricemia

Answer

Prone for acute leukemia

Answer

Spontaneous severe infection

Question 7

Which of the following is not a recognized complication of chronic pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Renal artery thrombosis

Answer

Pancreatic pseudocyst

Answer

Splenic vein thrombosis

Answer

Pancreatic fistula

Question 8

In inflammatory myopathy, which group of muscles is not affected

Accepted Answer

Ocular

Answer

Facial

Answer

Proximal muscles of limb

Answer

Distal muscles of limb

Question 9

Acute orchitis is characterized by all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Decreased blood flow

Answer

Increased local temperature

Answer

Erythematous scrotum

Answer

Raised TLC

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a feature of Refsum disease?

Accepted Answer

CCF

Answer

Retinitis pigmentosa

Answer

Ataxia

Answer

Ichthyosis

NEET-PG 2013 — Internal Medicine