NEET-PG 2012 - Internal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Hereditary angioneurotic edema is due to?

Deficiency of C1 inhibitor. ***Deficiency of C1 inhibitor*** - **Hereditary angioedema (HAE)** is caused by a genetic deficiency or dysfunction of the **C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH)** protein. - C1-INH normally regulates the **complement system**, kinin system (mediating **bradykinin** release), and coagulation pathways, and its deficiency leads to uncontrolled activation and excessive bradykinin production, causing angioedema. *Deficiency of NADPH oxidase* - A deficiency in **NADPH oxidase** is associated with **Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)**, a primary immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections due to impaired phagocytic oxidative burst. - It does not cause angioedema, which involves fluid extravasation rather than impaired microbial killing. *Deficiency of MPO* - **Myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency** typically leads to mild to moderate impairment in the killing of certain microorganisms by phagocytes but is often asymptomatic or causes only recurrent candidal infections. - It is not linked to the pathogenesis of angioedema, which involves dysregulation of vasoactive peptides. *Deficiency of properdin* - A deficiency in **properdin** affects the **alternative pathway of the complement system**, increasing susceptibility to **Neisseria infections**. - While properdin is part of the complement system, its deficiency does not directly lead to the uncontrolled production of bradykinin, which is the primary mediator in angioedema due to C1-INH deficiency.

Q: Which of the following is not associated with subcortical dementia?

Alzheimer's disease. ***Alzheimer's disease*** - Alzheimer's disease is primarily a **cortical dementia**, characterized by global cognitive decline, specifically affecting memory, language, and executive functions. - It involves the accumulation of **amyloid plaques** and **neurofibrillary tangles** predominantly in the cerebral cortex. *Parkinsonism* - Parkinsonism, particularly Parkinson's disease dementia, is a common cause of **subcortical dementia**. - It presents with prominent **motor symptoms** (bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor) along with cognitive impairment affecting executive function and attention. *Wilson's disease* - Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder leading to **copper accumulation**, which can cause significant damage to the basal ganglia and other subcortical structures. - This often results in a **subcortical dementia** characterized by motor symptoms, psychiatric disturbances, and cognitive decline. *Huntington's chorea* - Huntington's chorea is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder primarily affecting the **basal ganglia**, a key subcortical structure. - It is a classic example of **subcortical dementia**, presenting with characteristic choreiform movements, psychiatric disturbances, and cognitive impairment.

Q: Which of the following statements about Sickle Cell Anemia is FALSE?

Patients usually present before the age of 6 months. ***Patients usually present before the age of 6 months*** - This statement is **FALSE** because sickle cell anemia patients typically become symptomatic **after 6 months of age**, when **fetal hemoglobin (HbF)** levels decline. - **HbF is protective** against sickling, so symptoms like **dactylitis** and **splenic sequestration** usually manifest once HbF is replaced by HbS. *There is a positive correlation between HBS and polymerization of HBS* - This statement is **TRUE** as higher levels of **hemoglobin S (HbS)** lead to increased **polymerization** and sickling of red blood cells. - The **polymerization of deoxygenated HbS** is the primary pathophysiologic mechanism causing vaso-occlusive crises and hemolysis. *Recurrent infections is the most common cause of death* - This statement is **TRUE**, particularly in children with sickle cell anemia due to **functional asplenia** from repeated splenic infarctions. - **Splenic dysfunction** impairs clearance of **encapsulated bacteria**, increasing risk of severe infections like **pneumococcal sepsis** and **meningitis**. *Patients require frequent blood transfusions* - This statement is **TRUE** as **chronic transfusion therapy** is a standard treatment for managing severe complications and preventing stroke. - Transfusions help **suppress HbS production**, dilute existing sickle cells, and reduce the frequency of **vaso-occlusive crises**.

Q: Corkscrew esophagus is seen in which of the following conditions ?

Diffuse esophagus spasm. ***Diffuse esophagus spasm*** - **Corkscrew esophagus** is a classic radiographic finding in **diffuse esophageal spasm (DES)**, indicating multiple simultaneous, non-peristaltic contractions. [1] - This condition is characterized by **uncoordinated esophageal contractions** that can lead to chest pain and dysphagia. [1] *Scleroderma* - Scleroderma typically causes **hypomotility** or aperistalsis in the esophagus, especially in the distal two-thirds, rather than a corkscrew appearance. [1] - It results from progressive **fibrosis and atrophy of the smooth muscle**, leading to esophageal dilation and reflux symptoms. [1] *Achalasia cardia* - Achalasia is defined by the **failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax** and loss of peristalsis in the esophageal body, leading to a "bird-beak" appearance on barium swallow. [2] - It features a **dilated esophagus** proximally to the tight LES, not multiple indentations. [2] *Carcinoma esophagus* - Esophageal carcinoma usually presents as a **focal stricture**, mass, or irregular lumen on imaging, often causing dysphagia that is progressive. - It does not typically cause the diffuse, segmental contractions characteristic of a corkscrew esophagus.

Q: What is a characteristic finding in athletes' hearts, also known as athletic syndrome?

Increased amplitude of QRS. ***Increased amplitude of QRS*** - In **athletes' hearts**, the heart muscle (myocardium) undergoes physiological adaptations, including **left ventricular hypertrophy**, which leads to an **increased amplitude of the QRS complex** on an ECG. - This is a normal and beneficial adaptation that enhances cardiac output and efficiency during exercise. *Bradycardia* - While **bradycardia** (a slower heart rate) is very common in athletes due to increased **vagal tone** and improved cardiac efficiency, it is not the most direct characteristic finding *on an ECG* reflecting the structural changes of athletic heart syndrome. - Bradycardia is a rate finding, not a waveform amplitude change reflecting myocardial mass. *Decreased QT interval* - A **decreased QT interval** is not a typical characteristic of an athlete's heart; in fact, there is usually no significant change or a slight prolongation due to bradycardia, but it remains within normal limits. - A pathologically short QT interval can indicate specific genetic channelopathies, which are unrelated to athletic adaptation. *U-waves* - **U-waves** are small positive deflections sometimes seen after the T wave, often associated with **bradycardia** or **hypokalemia**. - While athletes can have bradycardia, U-waves are not a consistent or defining feature of an athlete's heart syndrome itself, and their presence can also indicate other conditions.

Q: Fibrosis of upper lobe is due to

ABPA. ***ABPA*** - **Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)** is a hypersensitivity reaction to *Aspergillus* species, particularly *A. fumigatus*, which colonize the airways, and commonly leads to **upper lobe fibrosis** and **bronchiectasis**. - The chronic inflammation and recurrent immune responses result in progressive airway damage, characterized on imaging by centrilobular nodules, mucoid impaction, and ultimately **fibrosis in the upper lobes**. Other conditions causing similar upper lobe conglomerate masses include Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF) seen in coal worker's pneumoconiosis [1]. *Certain types of pneumonia* - While pneumonia can cause inflammation, it typically leads to **lobar consolidation** or diffuse infiltrates rather than specific upper lobe fibrosis. - **Resolution of pneumonia** usually occurs without significant fibrotic changes, unlike chronic conditions that predispose to fibrosis. *Bronchiectasis* - **Bronchiectasis** is a general term for permanent dilation of the bronchi, which can occur in any lobe, but alone **does not directly cause upper lobe fibrosis** as a primary etiology. - While it often coexists with conditions that cause fibrosis (like ABPA or CF), it's a consequence of airway damage, not the direct cause of the fibrotic process itself; it can however predispose to recurrent infections leading to scarring. *Rheumatoid arthritis* - **Rheumatoid arthritis** can cause interstitial lung disease, including **pulmonary fibrosis**, but it typically manifests as a **basilar or diffuse pattern** rather than predominantly upper lobe fibrosis [2]. - The fibrosis associated with RA-ILD is commonly of a **usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)** or **non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP)** pattern [2].

Q: Distal renal tubular acidosis is associated with:

Calcium stones. ***Calcium stones*** - Distal renal tubular acidosis (Type 1 RTA) causes metabolic acidosis due to impaired distal tubular **hydrogen ion secretion**. - This leads to **increased urinary calcium excretion** (hypercalciuria) and decreased urinary citrate, creating an environment favorable for the formation of **calcium phosphate renal stones**. *Oxalate stones* - While oxalate is a component of some calcium stones (calcium oxalate), **primary hyperoxaluria** or dietary excess of oxalate are the main causes, not directly distal RTA. - Distal RTA specifically promotes **calcium phosphate stone formation** due to pH changes and hypercalciuria. *Hypocitraturia* - **Hypocitraturia** is indeed a feature of distal RTA as the kidney attempts to excrete acid by reabsorbing citrate, making the urine less inhibitory to stone formation. - However, the most direct and common clinically observed consequence in stone formation is the development of **calcium stones**, as hypocitraturia combined with hypercalciuria facilitates their formation. *Uric acid stones* - **Uric acid stones** typically form in persistently **acidic urine** and are associated with conditions like gout or myeloproliferative disorders. - While distal RTA results in systemic acidosis, the urine pH in distal RTA is typically **alkaline or inappropriately neutral**, which does not favor uric acid stone formation.

Q: Chemotherapeutic Agent of Choice for the treatment of CML?

Imatinib. ***Imatinib*** - **Imatinib** is a **tyrosine kinase inhibitor** specifically targeting the **BCR-ABL fusion protein**, which is the hallmark of CML [1][2]. - It dramatically improved the prognosis of CML patients, making it the **first-line therapy** and agent of choice due to its high efficacy and relatively low toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapy [2]. *Vincristine* - **Vincristine** is a **vinca alkaloid** that inhibits microtubule formation, primarily used in acute leukemias and lymphomas. - It is not the agent of choice for CML due to its different mechanism of action and the availability of more targeted therapies for CML. *Cyclophosphamide* - **Cyclophosphamide** is an **alkylating agent** that causes DNA damage, used in various cancers and autoimmune diseases. - While it can be used in some hematologic malignancies, it is not the preferred or most effective treatment for CML, especially given the success of targeted therapies. *Methotrexate* - **Methotrexate** is an **antimetabolite** that interferes with DNA synthesis, commonly used in acute leukemias, lymphomas, and autoimmune conditions. - It is not considered the chemotherapeutic agent of choice for CML, as its mechanism of action is not specific to the BCR-ABL anomaly characteristic of CML.

Q: A person experiences asthma attacks more than twice during the day and at least once during the night. What is the most likely classification of their asthma?

Severe persistent asthma. ***Severe persistent asthma*** - This classification is characterized by **frequent symptoms**, specifically asthma attacks occurring more than twice daily and at least once nightly. - Individuals with severe persistent asthma often experience significant limitations in their daily activities and may have a **FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second)** less than 60% of predicted. *Intermittent asthma* - This classification is characterized by symptoms occurring less than two days per week and **nighttime awakenings less than two times per month**. - Symptoms are generally well-controlled with a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) as needed. *Mild persistent asthma* - Patients with mild persistent asthma typically experience symptoms more than twice a week but **less than once a day**, and **nighttime awakenings 3-4 times per month**. - Their lung function (FEV1) is usually 80% or more of predicted. *Moderate persistent asthma* - This category involves daily symptoms and **nighttime awakenings more than once per week but not nightly**. - Lung function (FEV1) in moderate persistent asthma typically falls between 60% and 80% of predicted.

Question 1

Hereditary angioneurotic edema is due to?

Accepted Answer

Deficiency of C1 inhibitor

Answer

Deficiency of NADPH oxidase

Answer

Deficiency of MPO

Answer

Deficiency of properdin

Question 2

Which of the following is not associated with subcortical dementia?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Wilson's disease

Answer

Huntington's chorea

Answer

Parkinsonism

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of Yellow-nail syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Pleural effusion and lymphedema, associated with discolored nails

Answer

Knee joint effusion and lymphedema, associated with discolored nails

Answer

Pericardial effusion and lymphedema, associated with discolored nails

Answer

Peritoneal effusion and lymphedema, associated with discolored nails

Question 4

Which of the following statements about Sickle Cell Anemia is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Patients usually present before the age of 6 months

Answer

There is a positive correlation between HBS and polymerization of HBS

Answer

Recurrent infections is the most common cause of death

Answer

Patients require frequent blood transfusions

Question 5

Corkscrew esophagus is seen in which of the following conditions ?

Accepted Answer

Diffuse esophagus spasm

Answer

Scleroderma

Answer

Achalasia cardia

Answer

Carcinoma esophagus

Question 6

What is a characteristic finding in athletes' hearts, also known as athletic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Increased amplitude of QRS

Answer

Decreased QT interval

Answer

U-waves

Answer

Bradycardia

Question 7

Fibrosis of upper lobe is due to

Accepted Answer

ABPA

Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer

Certain types of pneumonia

Answer

Bronchiectasis

Question 8

Distal renal tubular acidosis is associated with:

Accepted Answer

Calcium stones

Answer

Hypocitraturia

Answer

Oxalate stones

Answer

Uric acid stones

Question 9

Chemotherapeutic Agent of Choice for the treatment of CML?

Accepted Answer

Imatinib

Answer

Vincristine

Answer

Cyclophosphamide

Answer

Methotrexate

Question 10

A person experiences asthma attacks more than twice during the day and at least once during the night. What is the most likely classification of their asthma?

Accepted Answer

Severe persistent asthma

Answer

Intermittent asthma

Answer

Mild persistent asthma

Answer

Moderate persistent asthma

NEET-PG 2012 — Internal Medicine