Pathophysiology of the Liver

Question 1

This disease is characterized by abnormal copper excretion and often presents with Kayser-Fleischer rings.

Answer 1

Wilson’s Disease

Question 2

What is the recommended treatment for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?

Answer 2

Third-generation cephalosporin (Ceftriaxone)

Question 3

True/False. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is synthesized by only the liver.

Answer 3

False - it is synthesized by various organs. In acute hepatitis, levels may be slightly high

Question 4

What is the most common cause of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?

Answer 4

E. coli

Question 5

This enzyme is generally only elevated in liver diseases.

Answer 5

5’-nucleotidase

Question 6

What is hereditary hemochromatosis?

Answer 6

Increased intestinal iron due to HFE gene mutation

Question 7

What is generally the first sign of portal hypertension?

Answer 7

Splenomegaly

Question 8

What complications may arise due to hepatic cirrhosis?

Answer 8

Question 9

What organs synthesize ALT?

Answer 9

Liver and bones

Question 10

This disease is characterized by T-cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of intralobular bile ducts.

Answer 10

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Question 11

This enzyme is specific to the liver.

Answer 11

Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)

Question 12

AST & ALT are both high, however, AST is twice is high as ALT. What does this likely indicate?

Answer 12

Alcoholic fatty liver disease

Question 13

High GGT and alkaline phosphatase levels point to what pathology?

Answer 13

Cholestasis

Question 14

What triad commonly presents with hemochromatosis?

Answer 14

Bronze diabetic - cirrhosis, diabetes, skin pigmentation

Question 15

What CNS cells are primarily affected by hepatic encephalopathy?

Answer 15

Astrocytes

Question 16

What is the effect of liver disease on prothrombin time (PT)?

Answer 16

Increases PT due to decreased Vitamin K & clotting factors

Question 17

What triad of symptoms are present with Meigs Syndrome?

Answer 17

Ascites, pleural effusion, benign ovarian tumor

Question 18

What gene is mutated in hereditary hemochromatosis?

Answer 18

HFE gene

Question 19

Levels of what compound are generally elevated in patients with hepatic encephalopathy?

Answer 19

Ammonia

Question 20

What vasoconstrictor may be used to manage bleeding varices due to liver cirrhosis?

Answer 20

Octreotide

Question 21

What is the most common liver disease in children?

Answer 21

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Deficiency

Question 22

What antibodies are present with primary biliary cholangitis?

Answer 22

Antimitochondrial antibodies