Pulmonary Vascular Diseases — MCQs
Which of the following is not associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Best imaging modality for acute pulmonary embolism
Which finding is NOT associated with pulmonary embolism on CT angiography?
What is the most common complication of a large Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)?
Pruning of pulmonary arteries is seen in
In a patient with high clinical suspicion of pulmonary thromboembolism, best investigation would be?
A patient presents with pulmonary hemorrhage and is P-ANCA positive. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A patient of Scleroderma presents with acute respiratory distress. Chest X-ray shows B/L reticular basilar shadows. What is the next line of investigation in this patient?
A lung biopsy shows 'temporal heterogeneity' with fibroblastic foci. Which radiological pattern would best support usual interstitial pneumonia?
A 60-year-old woman presents with a history of smoking and cough. Chest X-ray shows a solitary pulmonary nodule. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Which of the following is not associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension?
- A. Cor - pulmonale
- B. Left ventricular hypertrophy (Correct Answer)
- C. Mitral Stenosis
- D. Interstitial lung disease
Explanation: ***Left ventricular hypertrophy*** - **Left ventricular hypertrophy** is typically caused by conditions that increase the workload on the left ventricle, such as **systemic hypertension** or **aortic stenosis** [1]. - Pulmonary arterial hypertension directly affects the **pulmonary vasculature**, leading to increased pressure in the pulmonary circuit and ultimately right heart strain, not left ventricular hypertrophy. *Cor pulmonale* - **Cor pulmonale** is defined as **right ventricular enlargement** secondary to lung disease or pulmonary vascular disease. - Pulmonary arterial hypertension increases the afterload on the right ventricle, causing it to dilate and hypertrophy, eventually leading to **right heart failure** (cor pulmonale) [2]. *Mitral Stenosis* - **Mitral stenosis** causes an obstruction to blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, leading to increased pressure in the left atrium and pulmonary veins. - This elevated pressure can be transmitted backward into the pulmonary arteries, leading to **pulmonary arterial hypertension** [3]. *Interstitial lung disease* - **Interstitial lung disease** (ILD) can lead to destruction and remodeling of the pulmonary capillaries, increasing pulmonary vascular resistance [2]. - This increased resistance causes the pulmonary arterial pressure to rise, resulting in **pulmonary arterial hypertension**.
Question 2: Best imaging modality for acute pulmonary embolism
- A. V/Q scan
- B. CT pulmonary angiogram (Correct Answer)
- C. Chest X-ray
- D. MRI
Explanation: ***CT pulmonary angiogram*** - This is the **gold standard** imaging modality for diagnosing acute pulmonary embolism due to its high sensitivity and specificity in visualizing pulmonary arteries. - It rapidly provides detailed images of the pulmonary vasculature, allowing for direct visualization of **thrombi**. *V/Q scan* - A **V/Q scan** measures ventilation and perfusion of the lungs and is less definitive than CTPA, especially in patients with pre-existing lung disease. - It is often considered when **CTPA is contraindicated**, such as in cases of severe renal impairment or contrast allergy. *Chest X-ray* - A **chest X-ray** is generally used to rule out other causes of chest pain and shortness of breath, such as pneumonia or pneumothorax, rather than to diagnose PE directly. - It has **low sensitivity and specificity** for pulmonary embolism, as findings are often non-specific or normal even in the presence of PE. *MRI* - **Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)** can be used, but it is typically reserved for patients who cannot undergo CTPA or V/Q scan due to contraindications like **pregnancy** or **renal failure**. - It often takes longer to perform and has lower spatial resolution compared to CTPA for pulmonary artery visualization.
Question 3: Which finding is NOT associated with pulmonary embolism on CT angiography?
- A. Filling defects
- B. Hampton's hump (Correct Answer)
- C. Enlarged pulmonary artery
- D. Oligemia
Explanation: ***Hampton's hump*** - **Hampton's hump** is a **peripheral wedge-shaped opacity** representing **pulmonary infarction**, classically described as a **chest X-ray finding**, not a primary CT angiography (CTA) finding. - While the parenchymal opacity from infarction can be visualized on CT, it is **not what CTA is designed to detect**—CTA primarily visualizes the **pulmonary vasculature and intraluminal thrombi**. - Hampton's hump reflects a **consequence** of PE (tissue infarction) rather than the embolus itself, making it **NOT directly associated with PE on CTA**. *Filling defects* - **Filling defects** represent **intraluminal thrombus** within contrast-filled pulmonary arteries. - This is the **hallmark and primary diagnostic sign** of pulmonary embolism on CT angiography. - CTA is specifically performed to visualize these vascular abnormalities. *Enlarged pulmonary artery* - An **enlarged main pulmonary artery** (>29 mm) is a **secondary finding** on CTA that suggests **pulmonary hypertension**. - This can result from acute massive PE or chronic thromboembolic disease. - It is readily visualized and measured on CTA as part of PE assessment. *Oligemia* - **Oligemia (Westermark sign)** refers to **regional decreased vascularity** distal to a significant pulmonary artery obstruction. - While classically a **chest X-ray finding**, decreased vessel caliber and perfusion changes **can be appreciated on CTA**. - Unlike Hampton's hump (a parenchymal consequence), oligemia reflects the **vascular effect** of the obstruction and is thus more directly related to CTA findings.
Question 4: What is the most common complication of a large Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)?
- A. Eisenmenger syndrome
- B. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) (Correct Answer)
- C. Infective endocarditis
- D. None of the options
Explanation: ***Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)*** - A large PDA results in a significant **left-to-right shunt**, increasing pulmonary blood flow and leading to **pulmonary overcirculation**. [1] - This increased workload on the heart, particularly the left atrium and ventricle, can lead to **ventricular dysfunction** and ultimately CHF. [1] *Eisenmenger syndrome* - While a severe complication of an untreated large PDA, it represents a **late stage** where the left-to-right shunt has reversed due to **pulmonary hypertension**. [1] - It is not the *most common* initial complication, as CHF often develops earlier in the disease progression. *Infective endocarditis* - This is a potential long-term complication of a PDA, especially if untreated, due to the **turbulent blood flow** across the ductus. - However, it is less common than CHF, which results directly from the hemodynamic burden imposed by a large shunt. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **Congestive Heart Failure** is indeed a very common and significant complication of a large Patent Ductus Arteriosus.
Question 5: Pruning of pulmonary arteries is seen in
- A. Chronic bronchitis
- B. Pulmonary transplant
- C. Pulmonary hypertension (Correct Answer)
- D. Pulmonary infections
Explanation: ***Pulmonary hypertension*** - **Pruning of pulmonary arteries** refers to the visible reduction in the number and size of peripheral pulmonary arterial branches, which is a characteristic radiological sign of **pulmonary hypertension** [1]. - This phenomenon is caused by remodeling and obstruction of the small pulmonary arteries, leading to increased **pulmonary vascular resistance**. *Chronic bronchitis* - While chronic bronchitis can lead to **hypoxia** and eventually pulmonary hypertension, the direct and prominent radiological sign of **pulmonary artery pruning** is primarily associated with established pulmonary hypertension rather than specifically chronic bronchitis itself. - Chronic bronchitis primarily affects the **airways**, causing mucous hypersecretion and chronic cough, rather than direct arterial remodeling visible as pruning on imaging. *Pulmonary transplant* - A pulmonary transplant is a surgical procedure to replace diseased lungs and does not inherently cause **pruning of pulmonary arteries**. In fact, a successful transplant aims to restore normal pulmonary vasculature, though complications like **rejection** could secondarily affect vascular structures [2]. *Pulmonary infections* - Pulmonary infections primarily cause **inflammation**, consolidation, or cavitation within the lung parenchyma. - They do not typically lead to the widespread, chronic remodeling and visible **pruning of pulmonary arteries** seen in pulmonary hypertension.
Question 6: In a patient with high clinical suspicion of pulmonary thromboembolism, best investigation would be?
- A. D-dimer
- B. CT angiography (Correct Answer)
- C. Catheter angiography
- D. Color Doppler
Explanation: ***CT angiography*** - In a patient with **high clinical suspicion** of pulmonary embolism (PE), CT angiography of the pulmonary arteries is the preferred and often definitive diagnostic test. - It allows for direct visualization of thrombi within the pulmonary arterial tree with high sensitivity and specificity. *D-dimer* - While useful for **ruling out PE** in patients with low or intermediate pre-test probability, a positive D-dimer is non-specific and requires further investigation in high-suspicion cases. - It has a high **negative predictive value** but a low positive predictive value, meaning a normal D-dimer makes PE unlikely, but an elevated one does not confirm it. *Catheter angiography* - This is an **invasive procedure** that is typically reserved for cases where CT angiography is inconclusive or contraindicated, or when interventional treatment is contemplated. - It carries risks such as **bleeding** and **contrast-induced nephropathy**, making it less appropriate as a first-line diagnostic in most situations. *Color Doppler* - Color Doppler ultrasound is primarily used to diagnose **deep vein thrombosis (DVT)** in the lower extremities, which is a common source of PE. - It is **not used to directly diagnose PE** in the pulmonary arteries; however, finding a DVT can support the diagnosis of PE indirectly.
Question 7: A patient presents with pulmonary hemorrhage and is P-ANCA positive. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Churg-Strauss syndrome
- B. Microscopic polyangiitis (Correct Answer)
- C. Wegener granulomatosis
- D. Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)
Explanation: ***Microscopic polyangiitis*** - This condition is characterized by **pulmonary hemorrhage** (often manifesting as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage) and **P-ANCA positivity**, which is typically associated with antibodies against **myeloperoxidase (MPO)**. [1] - It is a **small-vessel vasculitis** that frequently affects the kidneys (glomerulonephritis) and lungs without granuloma formation. *Churg-Strauss syndrome* - While Churg-Strauss syndrome (now known as **Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis**, EGPA) can be P-ANCA positive, it is typically associated with a history of **asthma**, **allergic rhinitis**, and **eosinophilia**. [1] - Pulmonary involvement often includes **infiltrates** and nodules, but diffuse alveolar hemorrhage with severe pulmonary hemorrhage is less common as the primary presentation compared to MPA. *Wegener granulomatosis* - Wegener granulomatosis (now known as **Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis**, GPA) primarily presents with **upper and lower respiratory tract granulomatous inflammation** and **glomerulonephritis**. - It is typically associated with **C-ANCA positivity** (antibodies against proteinase 3, PR3), not P-ANCA. *Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)* - Polyarteritis nodosa is a **medium-vessel vasculitis** that typically affects the **kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and nervous system**. [1] - It is classically **ANCA-negative** and does not typically cause pulmonary hemorrhage or diffuse alveolar hemorrhage.
Question 8: A patient of Scleroderma presents with acute respiratory distress. Chest X-ray shows B/L reticular basilar shadows. What is the next line of investigation in this patient?
- A. High resolution CT to characterize the lung parenchyma. (Correct Answer)
- B. Pulmonary function tests to assess lung function.
- C. Contrast-enhanced CT scan for vascular assessment.
- D. Echocardiography to evaluate cardiac complications.
Explanation: ***High resolution CT*** - A **high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan** is the gold standard for evaluating **interstitial lung disease (ILD)**, which is commonly seen in **scleroderma** and presents with basilar reticular shadows on chest X-ray. - HRCT provides detailed images of the lung parenchyma, allowing for accurate characterization of the **fibrotic changes** and extent of ILD. *Pulmonary function tests to assess lung function.* - **Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)** provide functional information about lung capacity and gas exchange but do not offer detailed anatomical imaging of the lung parenchyma. - While essential for monitoring disease progression and severity, PFTs are not the primary diagnostic tool to further characterize the **reticular basilar shadows** seen on X-ray in an acute setting. *Contrast-enhanced CT scan for vascular assessment.* - A **contrast-enhanced CT scan** is primarily used to assess **vascular structures** or rule out conditions like **pulmonary embolism**, which is not directly indicated by the description of bilateral reticular basilar shadows. - The primary concern here is **interstitial lung disease**, which is best evaluated by **HRCT** without contrast. *Echocardiography to evaluate cardiac complications.* - **Echocardiography** is used to assess cardiac function and look for complications like **pulmonary hypertension** or **myocardial fibrosis**, which can occur in scleroderma. - However, it does not directly evaluate the **lung parenchyma** or the cause of the reticular basilar shadows.
Question 9: A lung biopsy shows 'temporal heterogeneity' with fibroblastic foci. Which radiological pattern would best support usual interstitial pneumonia?
- A. Peripheral and basal honeycombing (Correct Answer)
- B. Peribronchovascular nodules
- C. Central ground glass opacities
- D. Upper lobe nodules
Explanation: ***Peripheral and basal honeycombing*** - The combination of **temporal heterogeneity** and **fibroblastic foci** on biopsy is pathognomonic for usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). - Radiologically, UIP is characterized by **peripheral, basal, reticular opacities** with **honeycombing**, often accompanied by **traction bronchiectasis**. *Peribronchovascular nodules* - This pattern is more commonly seen in **sarcoidosis**, a granulomatous disease, rather than UIP. - Sarcoidosis involves lymphocytic inflammation and non-caseating granulomas, which is distinct from the fibrotic process of UIP. *Central ground glass opacities* - While ground-glass opacities can be seen in various interstitial lung diseases, a **central distribution** is less typical for UIP. - More commonly associated with **acute interstitial pneumonia** or **non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP)**. *Upper lobe nodules* - **Upper lobe predominance** with nodules is characteristic of conditions like **silicosis**, **coal workers' pneumoconiosis**, or **hypersensitivity pneumonitis**. - UIP typically involves the **lower lobes** and presents as reticular opacities and honeycombing rather than discrete nodules.
Question 10: A 60-year-old woman presents with a history of smoking and cough. Chest X-ray shows a solitary pulmonary nodule. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Sputum cytology
- B. Bronchoscopy
- C. CT scan of the chest (Correct Answer)
- D. PET scan
Explanation: ***CT scan of the chest*** - A **CT scan** provides a more detailed imaging of the nodule, allowing for better characterization of its size, shape, margins, and density (e.g., calcifications). - This information helps in determining the likelihood of **malignancy** and guiding further management decisions, such as surveillance or biopsy. *Sputum cytology* - **Sputum cytology** has a low diagnostic yield for solitary pulmonary nodules, especially if the nodule is not centrally located or cavitating. - It is more useful for diagnosing **central airway lesions** or widespread pulmonary infiltrates rather than discrete nodules. *Bronchoscopy* - **Bronchoscopy** is generally considered after a CT scan has provided more detailed information about the nodule's location and characteristics. - Its utility in diagnosing a **solitary pulmonary nodule** depends on the nodule's size and proximity to the bronchial tree; peripheral nodules may be difficult to reach. *PET scan* - A **PET scan** is typically used to assess the metabolic activity of a nodule and for staging once malignancy is suspected or confirmed. - It is usually performed **after a CT scan** to characterize the nodule's features, especially if the nodule is indeterminate after initial imaging.
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