Name

Warren Alpert Medical School

of Brown University
Bio 351/280
Gastroenterology
Integrated Pathophysiology/Pharmacology
Systemic Pathology
Final Exam
February 21, 2007
Course Leaders
Harlan Rich, MD
Robert Patrick Ph.D
Wayne Bowen, Ph.D
Elaine Bearer, MD, Ph.D

Questions 1-3 related to the following case scenario:

A forty-year old male who had been a heavy drinker for many years presented to his
physician complaining of recurrent abdominal pain. The pain was intermittent at first but
had now become continuous, was localized to the epigastric region, and radiated through
to the back. He had lost weight over the past 2 years and was noted to be very thin. Sudan
stain of the stool was positive. He was mildly hyperglycemic and had an elevated glucose
tolerance test. A diagnostic test was performed with IV secretin.
1. The use of IV secretin in this case is to:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Assess for associated alterations in serum gastrin level

Determine insulin responsiveness to oral glucose
Assess pancreatic exocrine function
Determine pain management strategies

2. Additional stool samples are positive for undigested fecal fibers. This suggests that he
has lost what degree of pancreatic function?
A.
B.
C.
D.

10-20%
40-50%
75%
> 90%

3. A CT scan is performed to further evaluate his pain, and a 3 cm. pseudocyst with
homogenous fluid is found in the tail of the pancreas. A few parenchymal calcifications
are present, but the pancreatic duct appears normal.
A. All pseudocysts must be surgically or endoscopically drained
B. The pseudocyst must acquire an epithelial lining before drainage can be
considered.
C. His pain is caused by the pseudocyst and is not related to the pancreas itself
D. Clinical monitoring with serial CT scans may be the most appropriate
management for this patient
4. A 12-year old boy is referred to a genetic counselor for testing. He has had evidence of
growth retardation and work-up reveals normal carbohydrate absorption and fat
malabsorption. He has also had several bouts of bronchitis and one full-blown case of
pneumonia over the past year. Sweat chloride testing is abnormal. Genetic testing might
reveal:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Alterations in chromosome 5q21 (APC) gene

Mutations of the CFTR gene
Mutation of the mismatch repair gene hMLH1
Mutation of the CARD15/NOD 2 gene

5. After a bout of the flu, a 25-year-old man notices several painful 0.3-cm, clear
vesicles on his upper lip. The vesicles rupture, leaving shallow, ulcers that heal over the
course of 4 weeks without scarring. Several months later, after a skiing trip, similar
vesicles develop, with the same pattern of healing. Which of the following findings is
most likely to be associated with these lesions?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Positive serologic test for herpes simplex virus type 1

Biopsy showing squamous epithelial hyperkeratosis
Peripheral blood smear showing atypical lymphocytes
Cytologic scraping showing budding cells with pseudohyphae
Biopsy showing mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate

6. A 38-year-old man has had upper abdominal pain for 3 months. For the past
week he has had nausea. On physical examination a stool sample tested for occult blood
is positive. An upper GI endoscopy reveals no esophageal lesions, but there is a solitary 2
cm diameter shallow, sharply demarcated ulceration of the stomach. Which of the
following statements regarding this lesion is most appropriate?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

It is probably located in the antrum

It is probably malignant
It is probably associated with increased gastric acid production.
Because of its small size, a biopsy is not necessary
A gastrinoma of the pancreas is probably present

7. Which of the following is NOT a complication of a gastric ulcer:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Hemorrhage
Peritonitis
Barrett's esophagus
Pyloric stenosis
Penetration into the omentum

8. Cimetidine and a magnesium-containing antacid preparation administered

in an appropriate dosage regimen for treating peptic ulcer differ in that:
A. The magnesium-containing antacid may increase gastric acid secretion if it is not
formulated in combination with an aluminum salt.
B. Cimetidine is likely to cause an increase in urinary pH.
C. The magnesium-containing antacid is likely to produce a laxative effect if it is not
formulated in combination with an aluminum salt.
D. The antacid is likely to block vagally-mediated increase in gastric acid secretion
E. Cimetidine can prevent the rise in gastric pH after the consumption of a meal.
Questions 9-10 refer to the following scenario:
A 33-year old woman presents for evaluation of symptoms of at least 2 years duration.
She notes intermittent diarrhea, lasting several days, alternating with several days of
constipation, most days of most weeks. Her weight has been stable. Her appetite is good.
She does have some crampy abdominal pain primarily in the left lower quadrant, usually
relieved by a bowel movement. She has no nocturnal symptoms. Physical examination,
CBC, ESR, Stool cultures, stool for ova and parasites, stool for occult blood, stool for
WBCs, stool for fecal fat, and thyroid function studies are normal. Colonoscopy reveals
scattered a few diverticuli in the sigmoid colon but is otherwise unremarkable.
9. The most appropriate course of action at this time might be to:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Start Prednisone
Start oral antibiotics covering for gram negative enteric flora
Start fibre and increase her fluid intake
Start a 5-HT3 antagonist such as odansetron

10. A process which may contribute to her illness might be:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Small hard stools with high pressure in the colon lumen

Inadequate activation of regions of the brain associated with antinociception
CARD15/NOD2 gene mutation
Hypoperfusion of the affected region of bowel

11. A 24-year-old male Brown medical student tests his stool for H. pylori using the stool
antigen test and finds a positive result. All of the following are true about this discovery
EXCEPT:?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

The lifetime chance of developing a peptic ulcer is 10%

Most likely he acquired this infection as a baby
It is still safe for him to shake hands with his professors
He has a 1 in 20 chance of developing gastric cancer
The causative organism expresses urease, catalase and oxidase enzymes

12. A 54-year-old man has complained for 5 months of upper abdominal pain
accompanied by nausea. He does not have hematemesis. On physical examination the
only finding is a stool sample positive for occult blood. Upper GI endoscopy is
performed and gastric biopsies are taken. On microscopic examination the biopsies reveal
acute and chronic mucosal inflammation along with the presence of Helicobacter pylori
organisms. The presence of these organisms is most likely to be associated with which of
the following?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Mucosal invasion with septicemia

Duodenal peptic ulceration
Development of pernicious anemia
Hypochlorhydria with atrophic gastritis

13. Which of the following statements regarding treatment of H. pylori

infection are true:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Proton pump inhibitors are administered twice daily.

Two or three different antimicrobial agents are administered 2 to 4 times daily
Bismuth-containing compounds provide some antimicrobial activity.
Fourteen days of treatment is superior to 10 days of treatment for eradication of H
pylori.
E. All of the above

14. All of the following statements are true EXCEPT:?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

The pH of the stomach is lowest during the night

Intrinsic factor is secreted by gastric D cells
Mucous and bicarbonate are secreted by glandular surface mucosal cells
Proton pump inhibitors at standard doses keep the gastric pH around 4 to 6.
Gastrin is synthesized as a large molecule and then cleaved into smaller
biologically active fragments

Questions 15 16 refer to the following scenario:

A 52-year old woman is referred for evaluation of abnormal liver function tests that were
found as part of a comprehensive physical examination. She is overweight and has noninsulin requiring diabetes. Physical exam is unremarkable. She may have one or two
glasses of wine on the weekends, but denies other alcohol use. Lab results are as follows:
Bilirubin
ALT
AST
Alk Phos

1.1
83
77
127

mg/dl
U/L
U/L
U/L

Hepatitis A IgG (+); Hepatitis A IgM (-)

Hepatitis BsAg, BsAb, BcAb all (-)
Hepatitis C Antibody (+); Hepatitis C PCR (-)
ANA 1:20 (Normal 1:20)
Anti-Smooth muscle Antibody (-)
Ceruloplasmin, Iron studies, alpha-1-antitrypsin are all normal
15. The most likely diagnosis is:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis C
Autoimmune Hepatitis

16. The most appropriate course of therapy would be:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Gamma-globulin
Alpha-interferon
Switch to long-acting insulin to manage her diabetes
Weight loss
Prednisone

(0.2 1.2)
(7 40)
(7 40)
(30-115)

Questions 17 21. Please match the following. (This question will be counted as 1
pt, each match in the list below counts as 0.2 pts). Each letter should be used once.
17. Alcoholic hepatitis
18. Wilsons disease
19. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
20. Hepatitis B
21. Hemochromatosis

A. Ground glass inclusion

B. Diabetes, cirrhosis, cardiac failure
C. Mallorys hyaline
D. Low serum ceruloplasmin
E. Repeated infections, emphysema

22. Marker of severe acute pancreatitis:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Elevated serum Amylase

Elevated serum Lipase
Intravascular volume depletion and metabolic acidosis
Pancreatic edema on CT scan

23. Gut peptides have which of the following physiologic actions?:

A. Peptides may be present in presynaptic nerve terminals or endocrine cells, but
never both
B. Gut peptides may be detected circulating in the blood
C. The actions of neuropeptides can be elicited by intravenous infusion of the
peptide
D. The effects of a hormonal peptide cannot be antagonized at the receptor level

24. Which of the following statement about hepatic adenoma is CORRECT?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

More common in males

Contains a central stellate scar
Associated with cirrhotic liver
Risk of rupture and fatal hemorrhage is present
High rate of malignant transformation

25. During phase III of the migrating motor complex (MMC), which of the following
occurs?:
A.
B.
C.
D.

The fundus receptively relaxes

The pylorus contracts to prevent gastric emptying and allow grinding of
gastric contents
Contractions propagate indigestible material from the stomach into the
small bowel
Contractions become unorganized and non-propagated

26. Loperamide and diphenoxylate are like morphine in that a single

therapeutic dose of each produces:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Analgesia.
Slowed transit of intestinal contents.
More rapid gastric emptying.
Euphoria.
Increased colonic secretion of chloride ion.

27. All of the following statements about intestinal flatus are true EXCEPT:
A. It often contains considerable oxygen in habitual air swallowers
B. It can have an unpleasant odor from hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur containing
compounds
C. It consists mainly of nitrogen
D. It contributes to global warming
E. It can be explosive when cautery is used at the time of colonoscopy
28. A 78-year-old woman with a previous history of a peptic ulcer that bled comes to see
you because she has developed dyspepsia while taking ibuprofen. All of the following are
reasonable choices EXCEPT:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Test for H. pylori and eradicate if present

Consider switching to a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Co-prescribe a proton pump inhibitor
Perform endoscopy
Screen her family members for peptic ulcer disease

29. Both famotidine and cimetidine are likely to:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Cause constipation.
Inhibit both basal (fasting) acid secretion and acid secretion stimulated by food.
Inhibit the cytochrome p450-mediated metabolism of some drugs.
Irreversibly inactivate the H+ K+ ATPase of the parietal cell
Enhance gastrointestinal motility.

30. A 47 year-old male with a previous history of a parathyroid adenoma comes to see
you because he has developed severe epigastric pain despite taking Maalox Routine
laboratory investigations are normal with the exception of an elevated serum calcium
(serum albumin level is normal). Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Family history may be important

Diarrhea is likely related to antacid consumption
He should be tested for visual field defects
Fasting secretin levels are not typically elevated
The responsible gene is on chromosome 11

31. A 70-year old woman presents to her physician complaining of fatigue and dyspnea
on exertion. She is found to be anemic, with an elevated MCV, and a dimorphic
population of cells (microcytic and macrocytic). A few hypersegmented PMNs are also
seen. Gastric biopsies would be most like to show the absence of which cell type?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Mucous neck cells

Chief cells
Parietal cells
G cells
Goblet cells

32. Which of the following statements about intrinsic factor is correct?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

It is hydrolyzed by pepsin
Intrinsic factor-vitamin B12 binding is inhibited by an alkaline pH
It is secreted by the chief cells of the gastric mucosa
It is hydrolyzed by pepsin
It has a lower binding affinity for vitamin B12 than the salivary R protein
(Haptocorrin)

Questions 33-34 related to the following case scenario:

A 42-year old woman has noted dysphagia to solid and more recently liquids. A barium
swallow is obtained and shows the following:

33. The underlying pathophysiology of this process involves:?

A. Increased activity of excitatory cholinergic fibers
B. Reduction or absence of inhibitory intramural neurons of the smooth muscle
of the esophagus
C. Marked increased in collagen and collagen matrix deposition throughout
D. A strong genetic component with increased intra-familial risk
34. Definitive treatment of this patient could include which of the following:?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Pyloroplasty
Use of metoclopramide to enhance contractility
Use of calcium channel blockers
Laparoscopic myotomy of the lower esophageal sphincter

35. A 53-year old male with Laennecs cirrhosis presents with worsening abdominal
distension, fatigue, and shortness of breath. He is found to have shifting dullness on
abdominal exam. Factors which may contribute to this process include:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Increased hydrostatic pressure in splanchnic capillary beds

Increased renal sodium excretion
Increased plasma oncotic pressure
Decreased plasma catecholamines

36. Alcoholic hepatitis is associated with which of the following morphological

change?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Steatosis
Ballooning degeneration
Mallorys hyaline
Neutrophilic inflammation
All of the above

37. Hepatic encephalopathy can be improved by which of the following?:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Colonic acidification
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Renal failure
Constipation

Questions 38-39 relate to the following vignette:

A 41-year old obese woman notes intermittent abdominal pain, primarily in the right
upper quadrant. She has a rather benign past medical history, and her review of systems
is otherwise negative. She has had four children. The pain is most commonly exacerbated
by eating a fatty meal.
38. The hormone most likely associated with the increase in her symptoms after a meal
is:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Gastrin
Cholesystokinin
Pepsin
Secretion
Peptide YY

39. The most likely contributor to her problem is:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Hemolysis
Parasitic infection of the biliary tree
Excess hepatic secretion of cholesterol into the bile
Increased bile salt secretion into the bile

40. Physiologic effects of Cholecystokinin include which of the following?:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Promotes gallbladder relaxation/accomodation

Promotes Sphincter of Oddi relaxation
Potentiates the effects of Secretin
Increases gastric acid secretion

41. A 55-year-old man has developed abdominal pain and jaundice over a period of
several weeks. On physical examination, there is right upper quadrant pain but no
abdominal distention. An abdominal CT scan shows a markedly thickened gallbladder
wall. A cholecystectomy is performed, and sectioning shows a slightly enlarged
gallbladder containing a fungating, 4X7 cm firm, lobulated, tan mass. Which of the
following findings is most likely associated with this mass?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Amebic dysentery
Ulcerative colitis
Clonorchis sinensis infection
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Cholelithiasis

42. A nurse presents to employee health complaining of nausea, fatigue, and relatively
acute onset of jaundice. She recalls a needle stick injury approximately 6 weeks ago that
she did not report. The source patient may have had hepatitis C. The best test to diagnose
acute Hepatitis C in this patient would be:
A.
B.
C.
D.

First generation Hepatitis C ELISA

Second generation Hepatitis C ELISA
Hepatitis C RIBA Assay
Hepatitis C RNA by PCR

43. The normal pylorus, antrum, and duodenum work in a coordinated fashion. The
normal mechanisms lead to which of the following:
A. Material passing into the duodenum is < 2 mm in size
B. Indigestible material is ground in the antrum and passed into the duodenum
during the digestive phase
C. Hypertonic material passing into the duodenum accelerates gastic emptying
D. Fat in the stomach accelerates gastric emptying
44. Which statement about the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts is true?
A. The bile salt pool is recirculated only at each meal
B. In the normal individual, 50% of the bile salt pool must be resynthesized and
replaced daily
C. The rate of bile salt synthesis is subject to feedback inhibition, inversely
proportionate to the amount of bile salts resorbed
D. Bile salts are stored and diluted in the gallbladder
45. Peptide which plays a role in stimulating appetite:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Leptin
Gherlin
CCK
PYY

46. Pancreatic lipase requires which of the following for efficient action?:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Emulsification of fats by bile salts

Activation by enterokinase
pH of the lumen < 3
Intact villi/small bowel brush border

Questions 47-48 refer to the following photomicrographs:

47. The histologic pattern in (A) on the left shows which of the following features:
A. Pancreas with saponification and pseudocyst formation
B. Pancreatic ductal carcinoma with aggressive invasion and desmoplastic
response
C. Pancreas with extensive fibrosis and atrophy with only residual ducts and one
islet, and a sprinkling of a few isolated acinar and chronic inflammatory cells
D. Pancreas with acute inflammation, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis

48. The histologic image on the right (B) is an example of:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Inspissated eosinophilic ductal secretions consistent with chronic alcoholism

A 10 cm pseudocyst after an episode of acute pancreatitis
A necrotic islet
Ascending cholangitis
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma

49. In Hirschsprungs disease, distension of the rectum will cause:

A.
B.

Reflex contraction of the external anal sphincter

Reflex relaxation of the internal anal sphincter

C.
D.
E.

Rebound contraction of both the internal and external sphincters

Retrograde mass movement in the direction of the proximal colon
None of the above

50. Marker of severe acute pancreatitis:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Elevated serum Amylase

Elevated serum Lipase
Intravascular volume depletion and metabolic acidosis
Pancreatic edema on CT scan

Questions 51-52 refer to the following scenario:

A 64-year old woman presents to her physician complaining of dyspepsia. Her only
medication is naproxyn sodium, which she takes for osteoarthritis. She has never had any
surgery. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy reveals ulcerations at the bulb and second portion
of the duodenum. pH of the gastric fluid is 7.5. A fasting gastrin level is drawn the next
morning, and returns at 1200 pg/ml.
51. The best explanation for her elevated gastrin level is:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Drawing the gastrin level after distension of the stomach

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Atrophic gastritis
Somatostatinoma
Starting PPI therapy on the day of the endoscopy

52. Gastric biopsies from this patient would be most consistent with which
photomicrographs?
A. A and C
B. B and C
C. A and B
D. Not present on any image
E. Present on all three images

53. All of the following statements about the intestinal M-cell are true EXCEPT:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

It is found overlying colonic lymph follicles

It usually contains abundant lysozymes
It is usually devoid of microvilli
It appears to arise from undifferentiated stem cells near the bottom of
intestinal crypts
It appears to facilitate passage of bacteria, viruses, and other
macromolecules through the intestinal mucosa

54. Contributor to immune tolerance in the gut:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Mature/activated dendritic cells

TH2 immune response
Absence of costimulatory factors during antigen presentation
Effect of ZOT or zonulin on the zona occludens
Parenteral exposure to antigens

Question 55 refers to the following photomicrograph:

55. The above histological changes are associated with which of the following
diseases:
A. Esophageal varices
B. Alcoholism
C. Chronic Hepatitis B infection
D. All of the above
E. None of the above
Questions 56-57 refer to the following scenario;
A 23-year old medical student was experimenting in the lab. He measured his
immunoglobulin levels and found that his serum IgA level was below the limit of
detection.
56. Which of the following is true about secretory IgA?
A.
B.
C.
D.

It is usually secreted as a monomer

Secretory piece binds to the Fc or constant domain of the IgA molecule
Secretory IgA activates the classical complement pathway
Secretory IgA prevents colonization and invasion by viruses and bacteria

57. The medical student should be told that:

A.
B.
C.
D.

He is not at significant risk of developing infections because of secreted

IgM
He needs gamma globulin injections
He is at significant risk for developing celiac disease
This condition is exceedingly rare and he probably made a mistake when
performing the assay

58. Effect of probiotics on the immune response:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Decrease innate immunity

Generation of anti-inflammatory cytokines
Increased colonization by pathogenic bacteria
Induction of IgG antibody production

59. Water in feces is:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Predominately free water, not absorbed from the gut lumen

Approximately 25% of the total stool weight
Bound primarily to dietary fiber
Contained primarily within the fecal bacterial load

60. An icteric patient with sickle cell disease might be expected to have:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Bilirubinuria
Absence of urinary urobilinogen
Cholesterol stones
Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia

61. Which of the following statements is true?

A.
B.
C.

Prebiotics can raise serum cholesterol.

Psyllium seed (Metamucil) is a probiotic.
Prebiotics are a non-digestible food ingredient used to stimulate the
intestinal flora.

D.
E.

Probiotics are often used to treat and prevent Crohns disease.

Bifidobacteria, an aerobe, is often used as a probiotic.

Questions 62 66. Match the following with the correct laboratory abnormalities
(This question will be counted as 1 pt. Each answer is worth 0.2 pts). Each answer
should be used letter should be used once. MAKE THE BEST MATCHES SO THAT
ALL NUMBERS ARE MATCHED, EACH WITH A DIFFERENT LETTER.
62. C282Y mutation
63. IgM antibody to HAV
64. Positive HBsAg, IgG core antibody
65. Anti-nuclear antibody, transaminitis
66. Antibody to Hepatitis B surface antigen

A. Chronic hepatitis B
B. Autoimmune hepatitis
C. Hemochromatosis
D. Successful hepatitis B vaccination
E. Acute Hepatitis A

67. A 37-year old female nurse presents complaining of several months of large volume,
watery diarrhea. Stool cultures, stool for ova & parasites, stool WBC are all negative. Her
weight has been stable. Family history is negative. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is negative.
Stool electrolytes reveal the following:
Na+ = 80 mEq/L

K+ = 60 mEq/L
Stool Osmolarity = 285 mOsm/kg H2O
(Normal Serum Osmolarity = ~ 285-295 mOsm/kg H2O)

The likely mechanism of her diarrhea is:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Secretory diarrhea
Osmotic diarrhea caused by a non-absorbable substance
Inflammatory diarrhea
Factitious diarrhea

68. Normal gut luminal bacteria inhibit pathogenic bacteria by which of the following
mechanisms?:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Increased luminal oxygen tension

Production of cyclohexamine, which is toxic to pathogenic bacteria
Promoting bacterial adherence
Degradation of bacterial toxins

69. A patient is evaluated for dysphagia. Barium swallow shows pooling of contrast in
the valleculae, poor clearance of the pharynx, and rare, silent aspiration. Contrast that

passes into the mid- and distal-esophagus appears to transit appropriately. The most
consistent diagnosis is:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Scleroderma-like motility disorder

Achalasia
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Diffuse esophageal spasm

70. A 58-year-old man has had increasing difficulty swallowing for the past 6
months. He has lost 5 kg in the past 2 months. No abnormal physical examination
findings are noted. Upper GI endoscopy reveals a nearly circumferential mass with
overlying ulceration in the mid esophageal region. Biopsy of the mass reveals pink
polygonal cells with marked hyperchromatism and pleomorphism. Which of the
following is the most likely risk factor for development of his disease?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Iron deficiency
Helicobacter pylori infection
Chronic alcoholism
High fruit diet

71. A 27-year old male presents with diarrhea and abdominal cramping. He is finishing a
course of amoxicillin for sinusitis. Factors which may contribute to his diarrhea include:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Overgrowth of non-pathogenic bacteria

Parasympathetomimetic activity of the antibiotic
Impaired carbohydrate metabolism in the colon
Reduced brush border disaccharidases

72. A 25-year-old man complains of a low volume but chronic, foul smelling
diarrhea for the past year. He has no nausea or vomiting. On physical examination there
is no abdominal pain or masses and bowel sounds are present. His stool is negative for
occult blood. Laboratory studies include a quantitative stool fat of 10 g/day. Upper GI
endoscopy is performed with biopsies of the duodenum. The biopsies reveal the absence
of villi, increased surface intraepithelial lymphocytes, and hyperplastic appearing crypts.
Which of the following therapies is most likely to be useful for this man?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Antibiotics
Gluten-free diet
Selective vagotomy
Corticosteroids
Segmental duodenal resection

73. Stimulant laxatives such as senna are effective in the treatment of

constipation because:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

They rapidly increase osmotic pressure of the small and large intestinal
contents and thereby inhibit water absorption.
They increase the bulk contents of the colon because they are indigestible.
They inhibit sodium absorption and promote chloride excretion by the
colonic mucosa, and increase colonic motility.
They have an atropine-like effect on the colonic musculature.
They antagonize the effect of PGE2 on chloride flux in the colonic
mucosa.

74. Which of the following statements about stool wetting agents are true:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

They act as surfactants to lower the surface tension of stool.

They soften the stool by mixing aqueous and fatty substances
They stimulate intestinal fluid and electrolyte secretion, by increasing
cAMP and altering intestinal mucosal permeability.
They interfere with the absorption of fat soluble substances like vitamins.
All of the above.

75. Which of the following statements describes motor function of the stomach?:
A.
B.
C.
D.

The pacemaker in the antrum of the stomach determines the frequency,

velocity and direction of the phasic contractions of the antral pump.
Phasic contractions of the corpus provide a grinding and retropulsive force
that breaks down food particles.
Delivery of a high calorie meal to the small intestine contracts the antrum
and decreases the tonic contraction of the corpus.
All of the above

76. Motor function of the gastric reservoir is characterized by?:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Receptive relaxation in response to a swallow

Adaptive relaxation due to gastric distension
Decreased tonic contraction due to the delivery of lipids to the duodenum
All of the above

77. Pancreas divisum:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Is a common post-ERCP complication

Requires surgical revision, even if symptomatic
Is a congenital anomaly which may increase the risk of pancreatitis
Causes a common channel with the common bile duct

78. A primary mechanism by which castor oil induces laxation is:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

It stimulates sodium absorption, inhibits chloride excretion by the colonic

mucosa, and decreases colonic motility.
It acts as an osmotic agent to increase luminal retention of water, as does
magnesium hydroxide.
After hydrolysis to ricinoleic acid, it decreases the net absorption of water
and electrolytes by intestinal mucosal cells and stimulates colonic motility.
It increases the bulk content of the small intestine.
It decreases the synthesis of PGE2 in the intestinal mucosa.

79. Which of the following statements describes motor function of the colon?:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Vagal innervation provides cholinergic and noncholinergic inhibitory

stimuli to the colon.
The colon exhibits three contractile patterns: mixing movements, haustral
migration and mass movements
Adrenergic innervation to the colon stimulates spike frequency and
stimulates contraction
All of the above

80. A 23-year old woman complains of several months of non-bloody diarrhea and
flatulence. She has lost 12 pounds during this time. Stool Wright stain (for WBC) is
negative. Stool sudan stain (fecal fat) is positive. Breath hydrogen testing with lactose
shows a late peak in breath hydrogen excretion. D-xylose test shows diminished
excretion of D-xylose in the urine at 5 hours. The most appropriate next test would be:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Secretin stimulation test to assess pancreatic exocrine function

Anti-Endomysial or Tissue Transglutaminase assay
Colonoscopy to exclude ulcerative colitis
Serum VIP level

81. Motor function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is characterized by?:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Tonic contraction mediated by the release of ACh from cholinergic nerves

Contraction in response to a swallow or to gastric distension
Relaxation mediated by release of nitric oxide from nonadrenergic,
noncholinergic neurons.
All of the above

82. Which of the following defects is responsible for the acid reflux in patients with
gastro-esophageal reflux disease
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Hiatus hernia
Gastric acid
Lower esophageal sphincter weakness
Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation
All of the above

83. GERD is treated with which of the following agents:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Metoclopromide to inhibit transient lower esophageal sphincter

relaxations
Baclofen to enhance esophageal peristalsis and LES pressure
Bismuth-containing compounds for cytoprotection
Esomeprazole for acid supresssion
All of the above

84. Which layer is typically thickened in reflux esophagitis?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Basal layer of the epithelium

Keratin layer of the epithelium
Muscularis mucosae
Spiny layer of the epithelium
Venous muscular tunic

85. What is the preferred location for a transnasal enteric feeding tube in a patient with
delayed gastric emptying?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Stomach
Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum

86. A polymeric formula should be prescribed for a patient who requires tube feeding
who has:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Pancreatic insufficiency
Malabsorption
Intact gastrointestinal tract
Short bowel syndrome

87. A patient undergoes colonoscopic examination for hematochezia. A polyp is

identified within the colon and resected. Which of the following diagnoses for the polyp
is associated with the greatest need for continued periodic screening by colonoscopy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Tubular adenoma
Hyperplastic polyp
Juvenile polyp
Hamartomatous polyp
Inflammatory pseudopolyp

88. Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome includes:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Loperamide for treatment of pain and bloating.

Alosetron for treatment of constipation-predominant patients.
Tegaserod to inhibit small bowel and colonic transit
Anticholinergics and antidepressants for treatment of pain and distention.
All of the above

89. A 70-year old otherwise very healthy male is admitted to the Oncology service for
treatment of carcinoma of the body of the pancreas. He develops acute upper
gastrointestinal bleeding, and is found to have gastric varices on upper endoscopy. CT
scan shows the pancreatic tumor, and adjacent splenic vein thrombosis. Which of the
following is correct?
A.
B.
C.
D.

His wedged hepatic venous pressure (WHVP) gradient is > 12 mm Hg

Placement of a TIPSS will reduce his risk of recurrent variceal bleeding
Diuretics and beta-blockers will reduce his risk of recurrent hemorrhage
Splenectomy may be required to prevent recurrent bleeding

90. Which of the following agents is not useful in the treatment of

chemotherapy-induced vomiting?:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Dexamethasone.
Meclizine
Odansetron.
Haloperidol
Dronabinol

91. Which of the following statements about antiemetic agents is correct?:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Granisetron is a D2 antagonist that blocks dopamine receptors in the

chemo-receptor trigger zone, and solitary tract nucleus.
Metoclopromide is useful for patients treated with highly emetogenic antineoplastic therapy because it antagonizes both D2 and 5-HT3 receptors.
Diphenhydramine is useful for patients treated with mild to moderate
emetogenic chemotherapeutic agents like fluorouracil or methotrexate.
Dexamethasone enhances the antiemetic efficacy of meclizine.

Questions 92 - 95 refer to the following scenario:

You are a lab technician working in a liver disease clinic. Unfortunately, the labels have
come off of the blood samples drawn that day. You must match sets of LFTs to the
specific patient diseases:
[Normal values: Bili 0.2-1.2 mg/dl, Alk Phos 30-115 U/L; SGOT (AST) = 7-40 U/L;
SGPT (ALT) = 7-40 U/L]
92.

Carcinoma of the head of the pancreas

A.

Bili = 1.2, Alk Phos = 117

AST = 42
ALT = 45

93.

Acute Hepatitis B

B.

Bili = 13.1, Alk Phos = 133

AST = 445
ALT = 532

94.

Chronic Hepatitis C

C.

Bili = 6.5, Alk Phos = 453

AST = 64
ALT = 85

95.

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

D.

Bili = 1.8, Alk Phos = 221

AST = 42
ALT = 44

96. In the differential diagnosis between ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease the
following is least relevant:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Small intestinal involvement

Skip lesions
Chronic anemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency

97. Which of the following statements regarding the use of the 5aminosalicylates for the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease is true?:

A. Therapeutic effects of the 5-aminosalicylates are not seen until 3, 4 or more

months of therapy.
B. They decrease production of proinflammatory cytokines possibly by
decreasing the nuclear translocation of NF-kB.
C. They are effective for use in mild to moderate disease and as maintenance
therapy.
D. The side effects of the sulfa containing sulfasalazine are not dose-related and
are due to a hypersensitivity reaction.
98. Which of the following is felt to be causal in inflammatory bowel disease?:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Anxiety
Cigarette smoking
Appendectomy
Dysregulated mucosal immunity

99. Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease includes:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Azothioprine and 6-mercaptopurine for treatment of acute flares of

Crohns Disease and Ulcerative colitis.
Cyclosporin for treatment of select Crohns and Ulcerative colitis patients
with severe, acute flares unresponsive to other therapies.
Methotrexate, an immunomodulator, for initial therapy of mild-to
moderate Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Infliximab, a 5-aminosalicylate that inhibits recruitment of neutrophils
into inflamed tissue.
All of the above.

100. Which of the following statements regarding treatment of Inflammatory

Bowel Disease is true:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

The activities of the enzymes that biotransform the thiopurine derivatives

vary among individuals and determines the therapeutic response and side
effects of these agents.
Budesonide, a new corticosteroid administered as an enteric-coated agent
for oral delivery to the ileum has few systemic side effects due to first pass
metabolism in the liver.
Mesalamine is formulated in coated granules that release 5-ASA slowly in
a pHdependent manner to deliver agent to the terminal ileum and/or
colon
Infliximab is an antibody directed against TNF used in treatment of
Crohns disease patients with moderate to severely active disease resistant
to other therapies.
All of the above.

101. Which of the following statements describes motor function of the small intestine?:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Segmentation movements are characterisitic of small intestinal motor

function in the fasting or interdigestive state.
The fed pattern of small intestinal motility is dependent upon extrinsic
neural input.
The migrating motor complex is characteristic of small intestinal motor
function in the fed or digestive state.
All of the above

102. Which of the following statements regarding carcinoid tumors is true:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Carcinoid tumors are often seen in patients with a history of ulcerative colitis.
The overall 5yr survival rate is poor (less than 20%)
Carcinoid tumors represent the most common small intestinal neoplasm
Appendiceal carcinoids frequently metastasize regardless of their size

Questions 103-107 refer to the following clinical scenario:

A 58 year-old man with a history of chronic alcohol use and chronic hepatitis C infection
repeatedly non-responding to combined interferon and ribavirin therapy is admitted to the
hospital with increasing abdominal girth, right upper quadrant tenderness, and a 15 pound
weight gain over the last 3 months. The patient had a liver biopsy 5 years ago showing
grade 3, stage 4 chronic hepatitis. He has no prior history of jaundice, ascites,
gastrointestinal bleeding, or confusion. He never had an endoscopy. He continues to
drink alcohol.

Physical exam reveals shifting dullness in the abdomen, with palpable spleen tip, but no
apparent hepatomegaly. There is no jaundice. There are multiple spider nevi and palmar
erythema. There is no leg edema. The neurological exam is non-focal with no asterixis.

Laboratory values:
Albumin
ALT
AST
Alkaline phosphatase
Total bilirubin
Direct bilirubin
INR
Platelet count
Alpha fetoprotein

3.1 g/dL
46 U/L
54 U/L
130 U/L
1.8 mg/dL
0.5 mg/dL
1.80
112,000/L
4 ng/mL

(3.5 5.0)
(5 40)
(5 40)
(30 130)
(0.2 1.2)
(0.0 0.2)
(150,000-450,000)
(<20)

Ultrasound reveals an echogenic, shrunken liver, splenomegaly, and moderate amount of

ascites.

103. All of the following statements regarding the patients condition are correct
EXCEPT:?
A. Abstinence from alcohol could significantly improve his liver disease even at this
stage
B. Serum sodium level is very likely increased due to sodium avidity and retention
C. The median survival of this patient is about 2 years without liver transplantation
D. There is an at least 25% chance that the patient has gastroesophageal varices
E. This patient has a Childs B functional stage of his cirrhosis
104. All of the following statements about the laboratory findings are correct EXCEPT:?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Low platelet count is suggestive of portal hypertension

The INR would likely not correct with PO vitamin K administration
The INR would likely not correct with IM vitamin K administration
Low alpha fetoprotein level makes hepatocellular carcinoma very unlikely
AST>ALT is not unusual for chronic hepatitis C in the cirrhosis stage

105. All of the following should be considered next in his management EXCEPT:?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Diagnostic paracentesis to exclude spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Re-treatment of hepatitis C with pegylated interferon and ribavirin
Upper endoscopy to assess for the presence of gastroesophageal varices
Referral to a liver transplant center for evaluation
Repeat abdominal ultrasound with Doppler interrogation to exclude portal vein
thrombosis

106. A subsequent EGD reveals grade1 esophageal varices with no red signs. Which of
the following statements would be correct?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Primary prophylaxis with cardioselective beta blockers is indicated

Secondary prophylaxis with non-cardioselective beta blockers is indicated
Repeat EGD in 1 year is recommended for varix surveillance
Banding is indicated as primary prophylaxis
Sclerotherapy is indicated as primary prophylaxis

107. The patient is admitted to the hospital and becomes confused and agitated 3 days
later. Hepatic encephalopathy is diagnosed after a blood ammonia level of 163 mg/dL is
found. All of the following statements regarding hepatic encephalopathy in this patient
are correct EXCEPT?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Placement of TIPS would likely make it worse

Constipation would likely make it worse
Oral lactulose is the treatment of choice
Oral neomycin may be harmful if reabsorbed from the colon
Daily protein intake needs to be restricted to no more than 30 g

108. All of the following medications are recommended in the treatment of

hepatic encephalopathy EXCEPT:?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Rifaximine
Metronidazole
Lactulose
Sorbitol
Neomycin

109. Which of the following scenarios is most appropriate for the recommendation of
tube feeding?
A.
B.
C.
D.

When a patient has inadequate oral intake for 2 4 days

When a patient has severe diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte
abnormalities
At the time of diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis
When a patient has dysphagia secondary to radiation to the head and neck
region

110. What are the benefits of enteral formulas with soluble fiber?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Fiber aids the absorption of vitamins and minerals

Soluble fiber is converted by bacteria in the gut to short chain fatty acids
and can serve as a fuel source to colonocytes
Fiber provides a source of glutamine
Fiber prevents clogging of a feeding tube

111. A patient develops diarrhea within one week of initiating enteral nutrition. What is
the most likely cause of diarrhea?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Sorbitol containing medications administered via the feeding tube

Lactose intolerance
Fat malabsorption
Dumping syndrome secondary to hypertonic feedings

112. A 20-year-old man is healthy but has a family history of colon cancer at a
young age. There are no abnormal physical examination findings. He undergoes
colonoscopy and there are over 200 tubular adenomas ranging in size from 0.2 to 1 cm on
gross inspection and microscopic examination of biopsies. Which of the following
genetic diseases is he most likely to have?
A.
B.

Hereditary non-polyposis colon carcinoma syndrome

Von Hippel Lindau syndrome

C.
D.
E.

Peutz-Jehgers syndrome
Adenomatous polyposis coli
Multiple endocrine neoplasia

113. What is the amount of alcohol in a standard unit of drink (12 oz. of beer, one oz. of
liquor or 4 oz. of wine?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

1-2 gm.
10-12 gm
30-40 gm
50-60 gm
100-120 gm

114. Which of the following drugs is the LEAST likely to cause cholestasis as
part of drug-induced liver injury?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Chlorpromazine
Oxypenicillins
Tricyclic antidepressants
Birth control pills (estrogen/progesterone)
Acetaminophen

115. All of the following are contraindications for initiating parenteral nutrition
EXCEPT:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Hemodynamic instability
Hyperglycemia (blood glucose > 300 mg/dL)
Hyperosomolality (serum Osm > 350 mOsm/kg)
Severe prolonged ileus

116. The indication for initiating parenteral nutrition in hospitalized patients is:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Weight loss of 10%

Hypoalbuminemia
To prevent adverse effects of protein-energy malnutrition in patients
unable to consume adequate protein and energy for a prolonged period of
time via the GI tract
Failed swallowing evaluation

117. Which of the following best describes the cause of refeeding syndrome?
A.
B.

C.
D.

A shift from glucose as the primary fuel during starvation, to fat as the
primary fuel during refeeding, resulting in hepatic steatosis
A shift from fat as the primary fuel during starvation to glucose as the
primary fuel during refeeding, resulting in glucose-induced
hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia, often
accompanied by fluid retention and congestive heart failure
Excessive volume of parenteral nutrition leading to severe hypertension
and heart failure
Hyperglycemia leading to non-ketotic osmotic diuresis and dehydration

118. Absorption of sodium by the intestine can be associated with:

A.
B.
C.
D.

The apical chloride channel

Taurodeoxycholate
Glucose
Two chloride ions which enter the cell via the basolateral membrane

119. A 51-year-old man comes to his physician for a routine examination. There are
no abnormal physical examination findings except for a stool sample positive for occult
blood. Colonoscopy is performed and there is a 1 cm polyp on a narrow stalk located in
the descending colon at 30 cm from the anal verge. The polyp is resected and on
microscopic examination shows crowded, tubular, atypical colonic-type glands. The stalk
of the polyp is covered with normal colonic epithelium. Which of the following is the
most likely diagnosis?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Adenomatous polyp
Inflammatory fibroid polyp
Peutz-Jehgers polyp
Ulcerative colitis
Hyperplastic polyp

120. A 60 year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease began taking

amoxicillin-clavulanate because of an exacerbation of pulmonary symptoms 2 weeks ago.

One week later, he developed jaundice, nausea and abdominal pain.
On physical examination today, the liver has a smooth edge. Liver span is 13 cm by
percussion.
Laboratory data:
AST
ALT
Alkaline phosphatase
Total bilirubin
Direct bilirubin
Amylase

145 U/L
(5-40)
271 U/L
(5-40)
850 U/L
(30-115)
10 mg/dL
(0.2-1.2)
6.2 mg/dL
(0.0-0.3)
40 U/L
(28-128)

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Anti-mitochondrial antibody
Peripheral blood smear
Viral hepatitis serology
Ultrasound of abdomen
Liver Biopsy

Question 121 refers to the photograph below:

121. 58-year-old man visited his dentist for routine dental examination. The dentist
noticed lesions with the clinical appearance shown. The past medical history showed no
major medical problems. Which of the following etiologic factors most likely
contributed to the development of these lesions?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Dental Caries
Herpes simplex virus type 1
Eating smoked and pickled foods
Chronic sialadenitis
Smoking tobacco

122. A 27-year-old singer-songwriter has been singing at a couple of clubs a night

to earn enough to avoid homelessness. He presents to the Haight-Ashbury free clinic
because he has noticed that his voice quality has become progressively hoarser over the

past year. On physical examination, he is afebrile. There are no palpable masses in the
head and neck area. He does not have a cough or significant sputum production, but he
has been advised on previous visits to give up smoking. Which of the following is most
likely to produce these findings?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Croup
Epiglottitis
Reactive nodule
Squamous cell Carcinoma
Squamous papillomatosis

Question 123 refers to the following scenario:

A 45-year-old man with chronic alcoholism has a 3-day history of fatigue and confusion.
For the past 2 weeks, he has had fever and myalgias for which he is taking over the
counter acetaminophen. He has no history of injection drug use, blood transfusions or
known exposure to anyone with hepatitis. On physical examination, T 98.6 F, positive
findings are spider angiomata, mild splenomegaly and asterixis.
Laboratory studies:
Hemoglobin
Platelet count
ALT
AST
Total bilirubin
direct bilirubin
INR
Serum creatinine

15.8 gm/dL
90,000/mm3
5000 U/L
8000 U/L
2.0 mg/dL
1.0 mg/dL
2.0
1.9 mg/dL

123. Which is the least likely diagnosis?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Acetaminophen toxicity
Acute hepatitis A
Budd-chiari syndrome
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)
Ischemic hepatitis or Shock liver

124. Which of the following is the correct definition of end-of-treatment viral

response in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C?
A.

Undetectable viral load 6 months after the completion of therapy

B.
C.
D.

Undetectable viral load at the completion of therapy

At least 2 log decrease in viral load 6 months after the completion of
therapy
Normalized transaminase levels and undetectable viral load 12 months
after the initiation of therapy

Question 125 refers to the following photomicrographs:

125. A 23-year-old man has had difficulty breathing through his nose for 2 years.
This problem has become progressively worse over the past 2 months. Physical
examination shows glistening, translucent, polypoid masses filling the nasal cavities.
Histologic examination of the excised masses shows respiratory mucosa overlying an
edematous stroma with scattered plasma cells and eosinophil, shown above. Which of
the following laboratory findings is most likely to be present in this patient?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Elevated serum hemoglobin A1C level

Increased Serum IgE level
Nuclear staining for Epstein-Barr virus antigens
Tissue culture positive for Staphylococcus aureus
Positive antinuclear antibody test result

126. A well-known media-darling Iron Chef is about to take a well deserved 4-week
sabbatical from cooking. His personal assistant notices on his last day of work that the
chefs eyes appear yellow. He has noted some fatigue and nausea, but attributed it to his
heavy work schedule.
He is found to have biochemical evidence of Hepatitis with the following serologies:

Hepatitis A IgG
Hepatitis A IgM
Hepatitis BsAg
Hepatitis BsAb
Hepatitis BcAb

Negative
Positive
Negative
Positive
Negative

Which of the following statements is true?

A.
B.
C.
D.

Everyone who has eaten in his restaurant in the past 4 weeks should be
vaccinated with an agent that confers active immunity
His risk of infecting patrons when he returns to work from his
sabbatical is quite low
He is at significant risk of developing a chronic infection
This infection has a high rate of morbidity in pregnant women

127. Which of the following is the most predictable side effect of ribavirin?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Mixed cryoglobulinemia
Neutropenia
Hemolytic anemia
Thrombopenia
Flu-like symptoms

128. A 45-year-old woman presents with fever, chills, and bouts of colicky right
upper quadrant pain for the past week. On physical examination, her skin is icteric and
there is scleral icterus. Laboratory studies show a total serum bilirubin concentration of
7.1 mg/dL and direct bilirubin concentration of 6.7 mg/dL. An abdominal ultrasound
scan shows cholelithiasis, dilation of the common bile duct, and two cystic lesions, 0.8
cm and 1.5 cm, in the right lobe of the liver. Which of the following infectious agents is
most likely to produce these findings?
A.
Clonorchis sinensis
B.
Escherichia coli
C.
Cytomegalovirus
D.
Entamoeba histolytica
E.
Cryptosporidium parvum

129. The Hepatorenal Syndrome is characterized by:

A.

Low urine specific gravity

B.
C.
D.

High urine sodium

Hyaline and RBC casts in the urine
Renal cortical vasoconstriction

130. All of the following statements about ursodeoxycholic acid are correct
EXCEPT:?
A.
B.
C.
D.

It is a useful agent for dissolution of cholesterol gallstones

It has anti-apoptotic activity in cholangiocytes
It competes with hydrophobic bile acids due to its minimal first pass effect
It displaces hydrophobic bile acids in the terminal ileum

131. All of the following statements about hemochromatosis are true EXCEPT:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Autosomal dominant inheritance

Common mutation is C282Y
Females present later than males
Diabetes, heart failure and cirrhosis are common manifestation
Early detection with phlebotomy will lead to normal life expectancy

132. A 20 year-old asymptomatic male, was found on a routine health exam to have the
following lab results:
Total bilirubin
Direct bilirubin
AST
ALT
Alkaline Phosphatsase

4.5 mg/dL
(0.2-1.2)
0.2 mg/dL
(0.0-0.2)
Normal
Normal
Normal

Regarding this gentlemans medical condition, which statement is correct?

A.
B.
C.

Bilirubin is usually undetectable in the urine

Biliary dilation is commonly observed on ultrasound
It is caused by a molecular defect of transport protein at the canalicular
membrane

D.
E.

Cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma can develop after several decades

of disease
Insulin resistance plays an important role in the pathogenesis

133. Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma includes all EXCEPT:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Hepatitis C
Alcoholic liver disease
Hemochromatosis
Aflatoxin
Herpes virus

134. Contributors to portal hypertensive ascites include which of the following:?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Decreased portal hydrostatic pressure

Increased intravascular oncotic pressure
Sodium avidity
Decreased peritoneal resorption
Peripheral vasoconstriction

135. The least common site for an intestinal adenocarcinoma is the:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Rectum
Sigmoid colon
Transverse colon
Ascending colon
Small intestine

136. On endoscopy of the stomach, if the antrum is obviously inflamed but the
fundus seems much less involved, the cause is probably?
A.
B.

Alcohol
Aspirin / NSAIDS

C.
D.
E.

Autoimmunity
Helicobacter pylori
Acid-reflux

137. A 48 year-old male has a 1-year history of impotence. He otherwise feels well
except for mild fatigue and arthritis of both hands. On physical examination, degenerative
changes are noted in the metacarpophalangeal joints bilaterally. Labs include:
Fasting plasma glucose
ALT
AST

126 mg/dL
65 U/L
60 U/L.

Which test would be most appropriate as part of his ongoing evaluation?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Measurement of serum alpha-1-antitrypsin level and phenotype

Measurement of alpha fetoprotein
Measurement of ceruloplasmin
Measurement of iron saturation and ferritin
Measurement of anti-HCV antibody

138. All of the following statements about the treatment of hepatitis B are
correct EXCEPT:?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Nephrotoxicity is a major side effect of adefovir

Lamivudine resistance may reach 70% after 4 years of use
HBeAg seroconversion is a useful therapeutic endpoint in HBe+ cases
HBV resistance to interferon therapy is relatively rare
Entecavir is less efficient if given after lamivudine resistance developed

139. A 39-year-old woman has experienced substernal burning pain following

meals for the past 15 years. On physical examination there are no abnormal findings.
Upper GI endoscopy is performed and there are 1 to 3 cm long tongues of erythematous
mucosa extending from the gastroesophageal junction at the Z line up into the lower
esophagus. Biopsies are performed of this region and microscopic examination shows
areas of gastric cardiac-type mucosa and intestinalized mucosa. Which of the following
interpretations is most appropriate for this woman's findings?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

She has a congenital anomaly

Her risk for squamous cell carcinoma is increased
She has chronic gastroesophageal reflux
Formation of a diverticulum may occur
She has iron deficiency anemia

140. A 35-year-old HIV positive woman has had pain on swallowing for the past
week. No abnormal physical examination findings are noted. Upper GI endoscopy is
performed. There are 3 sharply circumscribed 0.3 to 0.8 cm ulcers in the lower
esophagus. She is most likely to have infection with which of the following organisms?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Helicobacter pylori
Candida albicans
Mycobacterium avium-complex
Cytomegalovirus

141. All of the following statements about the use of interferon-alpha in the
treatment of chronic hepatitis C are correct EXCEPT:?
A.
B.
C.
D.

It has no direct effect on viral replication

It enhances macrophage activity
Its pegylated form has weaker activity, but longer half-life
It is much more effective in genotype 2 than genotype 1 infection

142. You are following a 34-year old male with a 6 -year history of Crohns disease. The
patient was doing well on maintenance therapy with mesalamine (Asacol) until about 6
months ago, when he experienced a flare of abdominal pain, malaise, and diarrhea. Upper
GI/Small Bowel follow-through showed changes consistent with active Crohns disease
in the ileum and distal jejunum. The patient responded to IV steroids and was switched
over to oral prednisone. You have tried to taper the patient several times, but he becomes
symptomatic whenever you drop his dose below 20 mg. The appropriate next step in
management would be:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Surgical referral for resection of the involved segments

Continue Prednisone at 20 mg for maintenance therapy
Start 6-mercaptopurine
Switch to a different mesalamine preparation (e.g. Pentasa)

143. Which pair of risk factors is most important in the development of esophageal
squamous cell carcinoma?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Tobacco use, high fat diet

High fat diet, ingestion of smoked meats
Alcohol abuse, tobacco use
Ingestion of smoked meats, tobacco use

144. All of the following statements about the treatment of Wilsons disease
are correct EXCEPT:?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa is a frequent side effect of zinc therapy

Zinc is only useful for maintenance treatment in Wilsons disease
D-penicillamine or trientine are useful chelators of tissue copper
D-penicillamine may induce autoimmune conditions
Both zinc and D-penicillamine may induce metallothioneins

145. A 64-year-old man presents vomiting blood to the emergency room. He has a
35-year history of drinking alcohol to excess. On examination, he has ascites, mild
jaundice, and an enlarged spleen. He also displays gynecomastia, spider telangiectasias
of the skin, and testicular atrophy. Prominent hemorrhoids and a normal-sized prostate
are detected on rectal examination. Emergency upper endoscopy shows dilated, bleeding
blood vessels in the esophagus. Sclerotherapy is performed to control the bleeding.
Laboratory studies shows:
Na+
K+
ClCO2
Total Protein

136 mmol/L
6.0 mmol/L
92 mmol/L
23 mmol/L
5.8 g/dL

(135-145)
(3.5 5.0)
(95-105)
(24-32)
(6.0-8.5)

Albumin
AST
ALT
Alkaline phosphates
Bilirubin, total
Bilirubin, direct
Prothrombin time
Hematocrit
WBC count

3.4 g/dL
137 U/L
108 U/L
181 U/L
5.4 mg/dL
3.0 mg/dL
20 sec
25%
12,790/mm3

(3.5-5.2)
(5-40)
(5-40)
(30-115)
(0.2-1.2)
(0.0-0.3)
(Control = 12 sec)
(42-52%)
(4.0-11.0)

Despite therapy, the patient lapsed into a coma and died. Which of the following
morphologic changes in the liver is most likely to be found on autopsy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Liver is shrunken with a wrinkled capsular surface and microscopically

shows massive irregular areas of necrosis without any obvious pattern
Liver is diffusely nodular with small uniform nodules and microscopically
shows diffuse fibrosis encircling regenerative nodules; liver cells contain
PAS-positive, globular cytoplasmic inclusions.
Liver is diffusely nodular with small, uniform nodules and
microscopically shows diffuse fibrosis encircling nodules of regenerative
hepatocytes; liver cells contain fat globules
Liver is markedly enlarged, yellow, and greasy and microscopically shows
preservation of the architecture and marked fatty change
Liver is diffusely nodular and intensely green with small, uniform nodules
and microscopically shows prominent bile stasis and fibrous bridging
between portal areas.

146. CCC DNA is important in the viral life-cycle of the Hepatitis B virus because:
A. It forms cute curlicues in the cytoplasm of infected hepatocytes
B. This covalently closed circular DNA remains in the nucleus of an infected
hepatocyte for the life of the cell and is the template for viral transcripts
C. It is the transcriptional transactivator which is pro-oncogenic
D. It is reverse transcribed to become the defective Heptitis D (Delta) virion

147. A centrally obese 55 year old male patient with Type 2 diabetes and the
following lipid profile- total cholesterol= 455 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol= 32 mg/dL, and
triglycerides= 1962 mg/dL:
A.

Likely has a Type IV hyperlipoproteinemia, and should be started on

atorvastatin (at maximal dose), and have his diabetic control improved.

B.
C.
D.
E.

Likely has a Type V hyperlipoproteinemia, and should be started on

fenofibrate (at 145-160 mg once daily), and have his diabetic control
improved.
Likely has a Type IIB hyperlipoproteinemia, and should be started on
simvastatin (at maximal dose), plus ezetimibe, and have his diabetic
control improved.
Likely has a Type III hyperlipoproteinemia, and should be started on
atorvastatin (at maximal dose), and have his diabetic control improved.
Likely has a Type IV hyperlipoproteinemia, and should be started on
niacin (at maximal dose) plus colesevelam, and have his diabetic control
improved.

148. The intensity of LDL-lowering therapy required (i.e., target LDL levels
when on treatment) is best determined by:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

The patients pre-treatment LDL level

The patients tolerance of HMG CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) drugs.
The patients pre-treatment risk of developing coronary heart disease (i.e.,
Framingham Study risk index).
The patients family history of dyslipidemia
The patients pre-treatment HDL level

149. Which statement is true of niacin?

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Niacin is the most effective drug for raising HDL levels

Niacin is contraindicated in patients taking atorvastatin.
Niacin is contraindicated in patients taking the combination of fenofibrate
and colesevelam.
Niacin has no effect on glucose tolerance.
Niacin is the most effective drug for reducing VLDL levels.

150. Given the following lipid profile for patient TT- total cholesterol= 646
mg/dL, HDL= 29 mg/dL, triglycerides= 853 mg/dL, your best clinical course of action
would be:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Calculate the LDL level from the data presented and start treatment with
rosuvastatin at maximal dose
Order a direct LDL level, and while results are pending, start patient on
simvastatin at maximal dose, plus ezetimibe.
Order a direct LDL level, and while results are pending, start treatment
with gemfibrozil 600 mg twice daily
Order a direct VLDL level, and while results are pending, start patient on
colesevelam plus pravastatin at maximal dose
Calculate the VLDL level from the data presented and start treatment with
long acting niacin at maximal dose tolerated, plus atorvastatin.

151. Which of the following statements best describes the most consistent
effect(s) of obesity/excess weight gain on clinical lipid/lipoprotein parameters?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

A proportional increase in LDL and HDL cholesterol

An increase in Lp(a) [lipoprotein (a)] levels
An increase in triglycerides, a (related) decrease in HDL cholesterol
levels, and a mild increase in LDL levels.
A marked increase in LDL levels, with no effect on triglycerides.
A reduction in both HDL levels and VLDL levels, with an increase in
Lp(a) levels

152. A unique advantage of colesevelam is its:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Ability to lower LDL and VLDL in hypertriglyceridemic subjects

Lack of systemic absorption
Potent LDL lowering effect (almost 40% reduction) when used as
monotherapy
Independent effect on Lp(a)
Potent HDL raising effect (20-25%).

153. A patients direct LDL is 70 mg/dL, with a total cholesterol of 235

mg/dL, HDL of 30 mg/dL, and triglycerides of 675 mg/dL. Which of the following
statements is most accurate?
A.

The patients VLDL/triglycerides is over 0.35, consistent with a Type III

hyperlipoproteinemia, and treatment with colesevelam, plus pravastatin at

B.
C.
D.
E.

the maximal dose, is the best empirical option.

The patient has a Type IIB hyperlipoproteinemia, and treatment with
simvastatin at the maximal dose, plus ezetimibe is the best empirical
option.
The patients VLDL/triglycerides is over 0.35, consistent with a Type III
hyperlipoproteinemia, and treatment with niacin is the best empirical
option.
The patients VLDL/triglycerides is approximately 0.20, consistent with a
Type IV hyperlipoproteinemia, and treatment with fenofibrate is the best
empirical option, being alert to increases in LDL with treatment.
The patients mildly elevated total cholesterol merits treatment with
colesevelam as monotherapy.