Path INFLammation Dr Johnson
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—After a mini-exam, you and a couple of friends spend a day in the sun on Beach #1 in Dominica. At the end of the day, one of your friends complains of sunburn. His back is very red, swollen, warm and painful to the touch. Which of the following is most likely to have caused the swelling?
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Histamine
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Kinins
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Leukotrienes
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Nitric oxide
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Thromboxane A2
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Explore the mechanisms of inflammation with Dr. Johnson in 'Path inflammation dr Johnson'. This quiz assesses understanding of inflammatory processes, from sunburn to myocardial infarction, through a series of real-world scenarios.
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- 2.
Approximately 5 minutes after being bitten by a mosquito a 26-year-old medical student observes the lesion at the right. What causes the erythema?
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Hemorrhage
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Increased vascular permeability
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Lymphatic obstruction
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Vascular damage
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Vasodilation
Correct Answer
A. VasodilationExplanation
Vasodilation is the correct answer because it refers to the widening of blood vessels, which allows more blood to flow through them. When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva into the skin, which contains substances that cause the blood vessels in the area to dilate. This increased blood flow leads to erythema, or redness, in the surrounding area.Rate this question:
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- 3.
A pathology report notes that an abscess was seen in the lung of your patient. The patient asks for a copy and explanation of this report. Which of the following best describes how you would describe it?
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A small area of pre-scar tissue containing new capillaries and fibroblasts
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A small area containing pus made up of apoptotic neutrophils with liquefactive necrosis
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An accumulation of mononuclear inflammatory cells and fibroblasts
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An accumulation of macrophages, epithelioid cells and giant cells surrounding a persistent inflammatory stimulus
Correct Answer
A. A small area containing pus made up of apoptotic neutrophils with liquefactive necrosisExplanation
The correct answer describes an abscess as a small area containing pus made up of apoptotic neutrophils with liquefactive necrosis. This means that the abscess is a localized collection of dead neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) that have undergone programmed cell death, along with pus and tissue debris. Liquefactive necrosis refers to the breakdown of tissue, resulting in a liquid-like consistency. This description accurately explains the composition and characteristics of an abscess in the lung.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A five-year-old boy pinches his finger with pliers. The lesion seen in this photomicrograph develops What is the exudate?
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Fibrinopurulent
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Fibrinous
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Purulent
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Serous
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Suppurative
Correct Answer
A. SerousExplanation
Serous exudate is a type of fluid that is typically clear and watery. It is produced in response to inflammation and is often seen in mild or early stages of injury or infection. In this case, the lesion seen in the photomicrograph is likely in the early stages of development, hence the presence of serous exudate.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A 65-year-old man presents with crushing chest pain. Physical examination and laboratory studies are compatible with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Which of the following is the most likely outcome of his infarction?
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Atrophy
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Inflammation
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Regeneration
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Repair
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Resolution
Correct Answer
A. RepairExplanation
The most likely outcome of a myocardial infarction is repair. Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, occurs when there is a blockage in the blood supply to the heart muscle, leading to tissue death. After the initial injury, the body initiates a healing process to repair the damaged tissue. This involves the formation of scar tissue, which replaces the dead heart muscle cells. Therefore, repair is the expected outcome of a myocardial infarction.Rate this question:
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- 6.
A researcher is attempting to determine the sequence of events occurring inflammation. Which of the following events in acute inflammation occurs first?
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Chemotaxis
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Emigration
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Hemostasis
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Margination
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Phagocytosis
Correct Answer
A. HemostasisExplanation
Hemostasis is the process that occurs first in acute inflammation. It involves the constriction of blood vessels and the formation of a blood clot to prevent excessive bleeding. This initial response helps to limit the damage and prepare the area for the subsequent events in inflammation, such as chemotaxis (migration of immune cells to the site), margination (adhesion of immune cells to blood vessel walls), emigration (movement of immune cells out of blood vessels), and phagocytosis (engulfment and destruction of pathogens by immune cells).Rate this question:
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- 7.
—A suppurative exudate contains necrotic debris in addition to neutrophils. Which of the following is most likely responsible for the necrosis.
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Activation of reactive oxygen species
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Extracellular calcium
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IL-1 liberation from macrophages
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Release of bacterial toxins
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Release of hydrolases from neutrophils
Correct Answer
A. Release of hydrolases from neutrophilsExplanation
Release of hydrolases from neutrophils is most likely responsible for the necrosis in a suppurative exudate. Hydrolases are enzymes that can break down cellular components, including proteins and nucleic acids. When neutrophils are activated and migrate to the site of infection or inflammation, they release hydrolases as part of their immune response. These hydrolases can cause tissue damage and necrosis, leading to the presence of necrotic debris in the exudate.Rate this question:
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- 8.
•A 24-year-old black woman is found to have bilateral hilar adenopathy on a routine chest-ray. Based on this photomicrograph, which of the following is the best diagnosis?
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Brucellosis
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Sarcoidosis
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Staphlococcus
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Streptococcus
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Tuberculosis
Correct Answer
A. SarcoidosisExplanation
The photomicrograph shows non-caseating granulomas, which are characteristic of sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease that can affect multiple organs, including the lungs. It often presents with bilateral hilar adenopathy on chest X-ray, as seen in this case. Brucellosis, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Tuberculosis do not typically present with non-caseating granulomas.Rate this question:
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- 9.
This specimen is submitted to a pathologist. It is said to be from the subcutis of a 32-year-old woman. Which of the following is the best diagnosis?
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Acute inflammation
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Granulomatous inflammation
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Chronic inflammation
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Chronic-active inflammation
Correct Answer
A. Chronic inflammationExplanation
The best diagnosis for the specimen submitted to the pathologist from the subcutis of a 32-year-old woman is chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is characterized by the presence of immune cells, tissue destruction, and attempts at tissue repair. It is a prolonged inflammatory response that can be caused by persistent infections, autoimmune diseases, or exposure to irritants. Given the information provided, chronic inflammation is the most likely diagnosis for the specimen.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A patient is being treated for tuberculosis. Caseating pulmonary granulomas were seen on microscopic examination of a lung biopsy. What is the usual outcome of a pulmonary granuloma after treatment?
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Complete resolution
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Metastasis of the lesion
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Replacement by macrophages
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Scarring and calcification
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Progression to chronic inflammation
Correct Answer
A. Scarring and calcificationExplanation
Pulmonary granulomas heal by scarring and calcification (dystrophic).
Complete resolution is not possible because the lung tissue has been severely damage with destruction of underlying basement membrane. Therefore regeneration and resolution is not possible.
Although TB can spread or disseminate, malignant neoplasms (cancers) usually metastasize or have the capacity to enter the blood supply or lymphatics and spread to distant organs or sites.
Macrophages are involved in granulomatous inflammation but do not replace the granuloma.
Granulomatous inflammation is a distinctive pattern of inflammation. Therefore, it cannot progress to chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation may progress to chronic inflammation.Rate this question:
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- 11.
After a mini-exam, you and a couple of friends spend the weekend on the beach in St. Martin. At the end of the day, one of your friends complains of sunburn. His back is very red, warm and painful to touch. What is the most likely cause of this erythema?
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Ischemia
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Edema of the dermis
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Vasodilation of blood vessels in dermis
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Infiltration of neutrophils
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Bradykinin
Correct Answer
A. Vasodilation of blood vessels in dermisExplanation
Redness (rubor) or erythema is caused by vasodilation of blood vessels in the dermis.
Ischemia is the loss of blood supply and is not suggested in this case.
Edema of the dermis is a result of increased microvascular permeability in the dermis.
Infiltration of neutrophils or PMNs is seen in acute inflammation and is caused by tissue necrosis, C5a, soluble bacterial products, Leukotriene B4, and chemokine family (IL-8)
Bradykinin is a chemical mediator responsible for causing pain and increased microvascular permeabilityRate this question:
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- 12.
Approximately 30-60 minutes after being bitten by a "bug", a 26-year-old man noticed a localized swelling and erythema in the affected area. The edema is most likely the result of:
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Altered plasma oncotic pressure
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Increased arterial hydrostatic pressure
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Increased vascular permeability
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Lymphatic obstruction
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Venous obstruction
Correct Answer
A. Increased vascular permeabilityExplanation
This case is an example of a Type I Hypersensitivity Reaction (Allergic/Anaphylactic). The edema is caused by increased vascular permeability.
Although, altered plasma oncotic pressure, increased arterioloar hydrostatic pressure, lymphatic and venous obstruction can all cause edema, the causes of these alterations are not indicated in this case. For example, changes in oncotic pressure can be caused by a decrease in protein synthesis, mainly albumin (produced by normal hepatocytes) or increased protein loss such as in proteinuria and severe burns.
Edema is due to increased vascular permeability mediated mainly by histamine release.
AlteredRate this question:
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- 13.
A patient is scheduled to have a chronic abscess incised and drained. What would you expect microscopic examination of the contents of the abscess to most likely show?
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Lymphocytes and macrophages
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An area of caseous necrosis
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Any area of coagulative necrosis
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Neutrophils, lymphocytes,& plasma cells
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An acute inflammatory infiltrate of PMNs
Correct Answer
A. An acute inflammatory infiltrate of PMNsExplanation
In an abscess, whether it is acute (short duration) or chronic (longer duration), one will always see PMNs (acute inflammatory infiltrate) and NOT lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages (chronic inflammatory cells).
Caseous necrosis is usually seen in association with some causes of granulomas. Liquefactive necrosis is seen in an abscess.
Coagulative necrosis can be seen in irreversible injury of all types of tissue with the exception of the brain and abscess. Superimposed bacterial infections can cause a liquefactive component.Rate this question:
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- 14.
An 8-year-old boy cuts his hand on a piece of glass. Two days later there is an open sore surrounded by swelling. His forearm is tender with red streaks extending towards the axilla. What is the most likely diagnosis?
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Inflammatory lymphadenopathy
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Reactive lymphadenopathy
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Lymphangitis
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Abscess
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Lymphadenitis
Correct Answer
A. LymphangitisExplanation
In lymphangitis, red streaks are seen following the course of the lymphatics extending up the arm to the axilla.
Lymphadenitis, inflammatory and reactive lymphadenitis all represent an inflammation or a reaction of the draining lymph nodes characterized by pain and swelling.
Depending upon the location, an abscess (an accumulation of pus) may present as a painful and warm to touch localized area beneath the skin.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following would you expect to find in the alveoli in a patient with pneumococcal pneumonia of 24 hours duration?
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Serous inflammation
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Fibrinous inflammation
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Fibrino-purulent inflammation
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Suppurative inflammation
Correct Answer
A. Suppurative inflammationExplanation
Suppurative inflammation contains large amounts of purulent exudate (pus) and consist of primarily PMNs (acute inflammation) which is seen around 24 hours. Suppurative inflammation is also seen in an abscess.
Fibrinous inflammation is seen in more severe injuries resulting in greater vascular permeability allowing larger molecules like fibrinogen to escape from the vascular space. If this type of inflammation does not resolve, one can expect to see scarring or organization of the fibrinous exudate which is not completely degraded by fibrinolysis and removed by macrophages. Remember the example of fibrinous pericarditis restricting myocardial function. See Slide 95 (Figure2-24B).
Serous inflammation is seen in association with blisters causes by burn and viral infections. There is a watery protein-poor fluid (effusion) usually seen in serous inflammation.
In fibrino-purulent inflammation one would see both PMNs and fibrin. This type of infllammation may be seen around 48 -72 hours when there may be an overlap between acute and chronic inflammation.Rate this question:
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- 16.
You order an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in a chronically ill patient. The ESR is significantly elevated and is most likely associated with:
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Increased numbers of leukocytes
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Hageman factor activation
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Increased serum acute phase reactants
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The action of complement
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Accumulation of blood-borne pyrogens
Correct Answer
A. Increased serum acute phase reactantsExplanation
An elevated ESR is most likely due to RBCs binding to increased acute phase reactant produced by the liver. The acute phase reactants increase the rate at which RBCs fall to the bottom of the test tube or sediment to the bottom.
Increased numbers of leukocytes (leukocytosis) is usually seen in most patients with infections or inflammation.
Hageman factor activation (XII) initiates 4 plasma mediator systems including the Coagulation, Fibrinolytic, Kinin, and Complement.
Complement is important in opsonization (C3b), chemotaxis (C5a), and cell lysis (C5-9) MAC Attack but does not cause increase in ESR.
Bacteremia or sepsis is the accumulation of blood-borne pyrogens in the blood.Rate this question:
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- 17.
A 72-year-old man develops gram-negative bacterial peritonitis resulting from colonic diverticulitis. The ensuing fever, macrophage activation, and B-cell mitogenicity are mediated by induction of host cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). What bacterial product activates these events?
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Adenosine diphosphate
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Cytochrome oxidase
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Lipopolysaccharide
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Polypeptide
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RNA
Correct Answer
A. LipopolysaccharideExplanation
Soluble bacterial products such as the lipopolysaccharide are chemoattractants for PMNs.
The other answers listed are not soluble bacterial products and do not cause fever, macrophage activation or B cell growth and division.Rate this question:
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- 18.
A well-demarcated area of myocardium appears paler than surrounding tissue and microscopically consists of eosinophilic muscle fibers with only a few karyorrhectic and pyknotic nuclei remaining. Many polys are seen, especially at the margin of this area. What is the most likely age of this myocardial infarct?
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2 minutes
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2 hours
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2 days
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2 weeks
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2 months
Correct Answer
A. 2 daysExplanation
In 2 days one would expect to see the presence of PMNs in the myocardium. PMNs were attracted by dead or necrotic myocardicytes.
In 2 minutes, there will be no changes seen on light or electron microscopy.
In 2 hours, one would not expect to see PMNs. PMNs predominate in the first 6-24 hours of inflammation.
In 2 weeks, one would expect to see the transition of granulation tissue to scar tissue.
In 2 months one would expect to see a well healed collagenous scar.Rate this question:
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- 19.
A 45-year-old woman has a lung biopsy because of a 1.0 cm lesion seen on a chest x-ray. Histologic examination reveals epithelioid macrophages and lymphocytes around a focus of caseous necrosis. What is the best explanation for this form of necrosis?
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Cell-mediated hypersensitivity
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Complement fixation
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Local histamine release
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PMNs releasing degradative enzymes
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Suppurative inflammation
Correct Answer
A. Cell-mediated hypersensitivityExplanation
This is the classic description for a caseating granuloma. Granulomatous inflammation is a type of delayed cell mediated hypersensitivity type IV.
Complement fixation is involved in fibrinoid necrosis and not caseous necrosis.
Local histamine release is responsible for the increased vascular permeability and edemia seen in acute inflammation. Granulomatous inflammation is a type of chronic inflammation.
PMNs releasing degradative enzymes is responsible for the liquefactive necrosis seen in an abscess and not in granulomatous inflammation. The enzymes in caseating granulomatous inflammation are released by lymphocytes and macrophages.
In suppurative inflammation, PMNs predominate. This is primarily seen in an abscess.Rate this question:
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.JPG "Approximately 5 minutes after being bitten by a mosquito a 26-year-old medical student observes the lesion at the right. What causes the erythema?")
.JPG "A five-year-old boy pinches his finger with pliers. The lesion seen in this photomicrograph develops What is the exudate?")
.JPG "•A 24-year-old black woman is found to have bilateral hilar adenopathy on a routine chest-ray. Based on this photomicrograph, which of the following is the best diagnosis?")
.JPG "This specimen is submitted to a pathologist. It is said to be from the subcutis of a 32-year-old woman. Which of the following is the best diagnosis?")
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Sep 01, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 06, 2012Quiz Created by
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