Respiratory pathology: emphysema: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Respiratory pathology: emphysema

Sample item

Destruction of respiratory bronchioles with upper-lobe-predominant emphysema in a smoker is which subtype?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Centrilobular emphysema

Centrilobular emphysema preferentially affects central acini around respiratory bronchioles and is strongly linked to cigarette smoking. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency causes panacinar lower-lobe disease.

Option by option

  • A. Irregular emphysema

    Irregular emphysema is associated with scarring.

  • B. Paraseptal emphysema

    Paraseptal emphysema is peripheral and can predispose to spontaneous pneumothorax.

  • C. Centrilobular emphysema (correct)

    Correct. Smoking classically produces centrilobular upper-lobe emphysema.

  • D. Panacinar emphysema

    Panacinar emphysema affects the whole acinus and suggests alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is C, Centrilobular emphysema. Centrilobular emphysema preferentially affects central acini around respiratory bronchioles and is strongly linked to cigarette smoking.

Why is "Irregular emphysema" not the answer?

Irregular emphysema is associated with scarring.

Why is "Paraseptal emphysema" not the answer?

Paraseptal emphysema is peripheral and can predispose to spontaneous pneumothorax.

Why is "Panacinar emphysema" not the answer?

Panacinar emphysema affects the whole acinus and suggests alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Respiratory pathology: emphysema in Pathology. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency causes panacinar lower-lobe disease.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Respiratory pathology: emphysema?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.