self assessment

Question 1

pathophys of baker cyst in a patient with RA

Answer 1

Inflammation of the synovium (e.g., due to inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases of the knee, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis) can stimulate the production of synovial fluid, which subsequently leads to the development of a popliteal cyst. This patient’s history of chronic joint pain and swan neck deformity on examination are highly suggestive of an underlying diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Knee trauma is another strong risk factor for the formation of a popliteal cyst.

Question 2

celiac disease histology

Answer 2

villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, and loss of the brush border of enterocytes is consistent with celiac disease, which is the most likely diagnosis in this patient.

Question 3

crypt abcess

Answer 3

crypt abscesses is characteristic of ulcerative colitis (UC), which can cause diarrhea and malabsorption symptoms.

Question 4

nitric oxide MOA

Answer 4

The nitric oxide (NO) released through the administration of nitroprusside generates cGMP, a second messenger that triggers phosphorylation of smooth muscle cell myosin light chain phosphatase and increases its activity. Myosin light chains are then dephosphorylated and made unavailable for contraction. These processes lead to rapid smooth muscle dilation of the vascular system and a subsequent decrease in afterload and preload.

Question 5

tender uniformly enlarged uterus

Answer 5

adenomyosis

myometrial cysts on ultrasound