Pulmonology Flashcards
What protein mutation is associated with cystic fibrosis?
Abnormal posttranslational processing of CFTR, a transmembrane protein which prevents it from reaching the cell surface. This protein is thus absent in the apical membrane of affected epithelial cells.
What is the mechanism of action of echinocandid antifungals?
To block glucan synthesis.
Name two echinocandid antifungals.
Capsofungin and echinocandin.
What is 1,3-beta-D-glucan?
A polysaccharide component of the fungal cell wall.
What is the difference in mechanism of action between echinocandin antifungals and polyene and azole antifungals?
Polyene and azole antifungals target the fungal cell membrane; echinocandins suppress synthesis of the fungal cell wall.
What species is Capsofungin effective against? Ineffective?
Affective: Candida, Aspergillus; Ineffective: Cryptococcus neoformans, limited activity against Mucor and Rhizopus.
What is the mechanism of action of Amphotericin B?
Polyene antifungal that binds ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane to lead to pore formation and cell lysis.
What is the mechanism of itraconazole?
Azole antifungal that inhibits ergosterol synthesis
What is terbinafine used to treat?
Dermatophytosis
What is the mechanism of action of terbinafine?
It inhibits the fungal enzyme squalene-2,3-epoxidase resulting in decreased synthesis of ergosterol.
What is the mechanism of action of Griseofulvin?
Enters fungal cells, binds microtubules, inhibits mitosis. It is effective only against dermatophyte fungi.
What is the mechanism of action of flucytosine?
Inhibits synthesis of DNA and RNA in fungal cells. It is used synergistically with amphotericin B, especially to treat cryptococcal meningitis.
Assuming a normal rate of metabolic CO2 production, hypocapnia implies what state?
Alveolar hyperventillation.
What is the main indicator of total alveolar ventilation?
Arterial PaCO2.
What may cause alveolar hyperventilation?
V/Q mismatch that causes decreased O2 and CO2 exchange (ex pneumonia, PE)
What central changes occur due to hypoxemia?
Elevated respiratory drive causing excessive CO2 excretion by the lungs and resulting in hypocapnia.
Name four causes of alveolar hypoventillation.
Upper airway obstruction, reduced ventillatory drive, respiratory muscle fatigue, decreased chest wall compliance.
What is the histological presentation of asbestosis?
Localized pleural thickening with calcification, espeically of the posterolateral mid-lung zones and diaphragm.
How does asbestosis manifest radiographically?
Linear interstitial densities in the lower lobes.
How does silicosis present histologically?
Nodular densities and eggshell calcifications.
How does berylliosis present histologically?
Nodular infiltrates, enlarged lymph nodes, non-caseating granulomas (similar to sarcoidosis).
How does hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to inhalation of organic dusts present on chest xray?
Diffuse nodular interstitial infiltrates on xray
When does the trachea deviate towards the opacified lung on xray?
With volume loss- atelectasis
When does the trachea deviate away from the opacified lung on xray?
Large pleural effusion
An obstructive lesion in the mainstem bronchus may lead to what pathology?
Prevention of ventilation of an entire lung leading to lung collapse and opacification on CXR.
What type of drugs are the most effective agents for chronic prevention of inflammation associated with bronchial asthma?
Inhaled Glucocorticoids.
Where is resistance highest in the respiratory tract?
In the medium sized bronchi because of highly turbulent airflow. Resistance within the first 10 generations of bronchi contributes to most of the total airway resistance of the lower respiratory tract.
What is the mechanism of action of rifampin?
To inhibit DNA dependent RNA synthesis, preventing transcription
What alteration may cause bacterial resistance to rifampin?
Alteration of the structure of DNA dependent RNA polymerase. Rifampin is well known to induce resistance when used as monotherapy.
When is rifampin used as monotherapy?
In prophylactic treatment of those exposed to H. influenzae or N. meningitidis.
SVC syndrome is caused by what pathology?
Mediastinal mass.
What type of epithelium covers the true vocal cords?
Stratified squamous epithelium
What epithelium lines the paranasal sinuses?
Ciliated, pseudostratified, columnar, mucus secreting epithelium
What epithelium lines the laryngeal vestibule?
Ciliated, pseudostratfieid columnar, mucus secreting epithelium
What epithelium lines the trachea?
Ciliated, pseudostratified columnar, mucus secreting epithelium.
Thickened bronchial walls, neutrophil infiltration, mucous gland enlargement, patchy squamous metaplasia of the bronchial mucosa are characteristic of what condition?
Chronic bronchitis.
How does pulmonary hypertension manifest in patients with scleroderma?
Intimal thickening of pulmonary arterioles causes pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale, and right sided heart failure. It manifests with an accentuated pulmonary component of the second heart sound.
Which medication used to treat TB works best at relatively acidic pHs?
Pyrazinamide (PZA); it is therefore most bacteriacidal in organisms engulfed by macrophages in phagolysosomes.
What is the principle difference in efficacy of pyrazinamide vs. isoniazid, rifampin, and ethambutol?
Isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol are more effective against extracellular mycobacteria.
What is the mechanism of action of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of CF?
It cleaves disulfide bonds within mucus glycoproteins to loosen thick sputum.
What electrolyte secretion abnormalities are characteristic of CF?
Decreased chloride secretion and increased sodium reabsorption in mucous glands of the pulmonary airways.
Name four symptoms of small bowel obstruction in an infant.
Billious vomiting, abdominal distention, air fluid levels, small bowel dilation.
What is the most common cause of meconium ileus?
CF
What is meconium ileus?
A distal small bowel obstruction in a neonate due to abnormally dehydrated meconium. It is quite specific for CF.
Describe three acute findings in fat embolism syndrome.
Acute onset neurologic abnormalities, hypoxemia, petechial rash. It causes occlusion of the pulmonary microvessels by fat globules.
At rest is the equiibriation of oxygen in a normal individual perfusion or diffusion limited?
Perfusion.
When is O2 equilbriation diffusion limited?
Emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, and in states of high pulmonary blood flow like exercise.