Systemic Pathology — MCQs

A 66-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 1-week history of pruritic blister formation. Physical examination shows multiple 1–3 cm bullae on the palms, soles, lower legs, and inguinal folds. Gentle rubbing of the skin does not result in sloughing of the epidermis. Immunofluorescence studies of a perilesional skin biopsy specimen are most likely to show deposition of antibodies in which of the following areas?

A 52-year-old woman presents to the clinic complaining of dry mouth for the past 2 months. The patient states that she drinks a lot of water but that her mouth is always dry. She says that she recently went to the dentist and had 3 cavities, which is more than she has ever had in her adult life. She has a history of type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Her physical exam is unremarkable except that her sclera are dry and erythematous and she has a deformity in the joints of her hands, bilaterally. What is the etiology of this patient’s symptoms?

A 69-year-old man presents to the urgent care clinic with a history of hypertension and a variety of systemic complaints including fatigue, occasional fever, abdominal pain, and diffuse palpable, pruritic eruptions over his lower extremities. He is currently unemployed. His medical history is significant for gout, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus type II, HIV, and hepatitis C. He currently smokes 2 packs of cigarettes per day, drinks a 6-pack of beer per day, and endorses a history of injection drug use in the past with heroin but currently denies any drug use. His vital signs include: temperature 40.0°C (104.0°F), blood pressure 126/74 mm Hg, heart rate 111/min, and respiratory rate 23/min. On physical examination, the patient has motor weakness on dorsiflexion. Laboratory analysis shows an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, elevated C-reactive protein, and proteinuria, increasing your suspicion of polyarteritis nodosa. Of the following options, which is the reaction mechanism that underlies polyarteritis nodosa?

A 32-year-old Caucasian female required a kidney transplant 3 years ago. She presents with elevated creatinine levels (2.6 mg/dl) and an elevated blood pressure (160/90 mmHg). A biopsy is taken of the transplanted kidney. Following histological findings, a diagnosis of chronic graft rejection is made. Which of the following is NOT a likely finding?

A 55-year-old woman presents with pain in both hands and wrists for several years. It is associated with morning stiffness that lasts for almost an hour. She has a blood pressure of 124/76 mm Hg, heart rate of 71/min, and respiratory rate of 14/min. Physical examination reveals tenderness and swelling in both hands and wrists. Laboratory investigations reveal the presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide. Which of the following immune-mediated processes is responsible for this patient’s condition?

A 26-year-old African-American woman presents to the clinic for a routine check-up. Review of systems reveals that she often feels nervous and has recently developed a slight tremor. Of note, she has lost 15 pounds in the past 3 months, despite an increased appetite. The patient’s temperature is 99°F (37.2°C), blood pressure is 130/78 mmHg, pulse is 85/min, and respirations are 14/min with an oxygen saturation of 98% on room air. On physical exam, her skin is warm and she has mild exophthalmos. Which of the following is the direct mechanism causing the patient's ophthalmologic findings?

Six days after undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of a left-sided femur fracture that he sustained in a motor vehicle collision, a 67-year-old man has sudden-onset severe pain and paresthesia in his right arm. The operation and the immediate postoperative course were uneventful. Prior to hospitalization, he did not take any medications. He has smoked 1 pack of cigarettes daily for 25 years. His temperature is 37.3°C (99.2°F), pulse is 105/min and regular, respirations are 22/min, and blood pressure is 156/94 mm Hg. Physical examination of the right arm shows decreased brachial and radial pulses, and a capillary refill time of 6 seconds. The skin over the right arm is pale and cold to the touch. His left leg is casted. Preoperative laboratory studies were within the reference range. Current laboratory studies show: Hemoglobin 13.8 g/dL Leukocyte count 8,300/mm3 Platelet count 60,000/mm3 Serum Partial thromboplastin time, activated 55 sec Prothrombin time 14 seconds D-Dimer positive Arterial Doppler ultrasonography shows occlusion of the right brachial artery. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's current symptoms?

A 41-year-old man comes to the physician for generalized fatigue and weakness of his left hand for 4 weeks. During this period he also had multiple episodes of cramping abdominal pain and nausea. He works at a battery manufacturing plant. His temperature is 37°C (98.6°F), pulse is 75/min, and blood pressure is 124/74 mm Hg. Examination shows pale conjunctivae and gingival hyperpigmentation. There is weakness when extending the left wrist against resistance. The brachioradialis reflex is 1+ on the left and 2+ on the right. The radial pulse is palpable bilaterally. The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities. Further evaluation of this patient is most likely to show which of the following?

A 31-year-old woman presents with pruritic vesicles on the right side of her torso. She notes that the lesions appeared 2 days ago and have not improved. One day prior to their appearance, she says that she experienced a burning sensation in the affected area. The patient is afebrile and vital signs are within normal limits. Upon physical examination, there are painful vesicles noted that are localized to the right T10 skin dermatome. Which of the following complications is associated with this patient’s likely diagnosis?

A previously healthy 38-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her husband because of left-sided weakness. As she was getting dressed this morning, she was suddenly unable to button up her shirt. When she showed her husband, he noticed that she seemed confused. She has a 3-year history of diabetes mellitus, for which she takes metformin. She had a knee operation 2 days ago. Her temperature is 38.9°C (102°F), pulse is 98/min, respirations are 17/min, and blood pressure is 138/85 mm Hg. She is confused and oriented only to person. Neurologic examination shows diminished muscle strength on the left side. There are scattered petechiae over the chest, arms, and legs. Laboratory studies show: Hemoglobin 7.5 g/dL Leukocyte count 10,500/mm3 Platelet count 40,000/mm3 Prothrombin time 15 seconds Partial thromboplastin time 36 seconds Serum Bilirubin Total 3.5 mg/dL Direct 0.3 mg/dL Urea nitrogen 35 mg/dL Creatinine 2.5 mg/dL Lactate dehydrogenase 1074 U/L A peripheral smear shows numerous schistocytes. Further evaluation is most likely going to show which of the following findings?