Cell pathology case studies

Question 1

What are the effects of helicobacter infection on the stomach?

Answer 1

• Inflammation - acute, chronic (including ulcers)
• Cell damage - atrophy, metaplasia, dysplasia
• Neoplasia - carcinoma, lymphoma

Question 2

What are the causes of gastritis?

Answer 2

1. Oxygen deprivation
2. Chemical agents (drugs)
3. Infectious agents (helicobacter)
4. Immunological reactions (autoimmune)
5. Genetic defects
6. Nutritional imbalances
7. Physical agents
8. Aging

Question 3

What are the clinical outcomes of Helicobacter pylori infections?

Answer 3

• Asymptomatic or chronic gastritis
• Chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia
• Gastric or duodenal cancer
• Gastric cancer, MALT lymphoma

Question 4

What is an ulcer?

Answer 4

An open sore on an external or internal surface of the body, caused by a break in the skin or mucous membrane which fails to heal

Question 5

What are the 3 consequences of atherosclerosis?

Answer 5

1. Asymptomatic stable plaque
2. Symptomatic stable plaque causing inducible ischaemia
3. Unstable plaque with risk of rupture and acute ischaemic events

Question 6

Name 3 common sites of clinically important atheroma

Answer 6

1. Coronary arteries
2. Carotid arteries
3. Aorta and/or iliac arteries

Question 7

What are the complications of atheroma?

Answer 7

1. Stable atherosclerotic plaques => stable angina, dementia, chronic lower limb ischaemia
2. Thrombosis overlying an unstable atherosclerotic plaque => unstable angina, myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, acute lower limb ischaemia
3. Weakening of arterial wall => aneurysm formation

Question 8

What is an aneurysm?

Answer 8

An abnormal blood-filled bulge of a blood vessel and especially an artery resulting from weakening of the vessel wall