GI Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders

Question 1

Which liver enzyme is considered most specific for hepatocellular damage?

Accepted Answer

ALT (alanine aminotransferase)

Answer

ALT is more liver-specific than AST because AST is also found in muscle, heart, and kidneys, whereas ALT is predominantly hepatic.

Question 2

What is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Gallstones

Answer

Gallstones are the leading cause of acute pancreatitis in the US, accounting for approximately 40–70% of cases.

Question 3

Which antibody is most characteristic of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)?

Accepted Answer

Anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA)

Answer

Anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA), particularly M2 subtype, are present in over 90% of PBC cases and are highly specific.

Question 4

In hepatic encephalopathy, which neurotoxic substance primarily accumulates due to failed hepatic clearance?

Accepted Answer

Ammonia

Answer

Ammonia, normally converted to urea by the liver, accumulates in hepatic failure and crosses the blood-brain barrier, causing encephalopathy.

Question 5

Which is the most common primary malignancy of the liver in adults?

Accepted Answer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Answer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 75–85% of primary liver cancers and is strongly associated with cirrhosis and viral hepatitis.

Gastrointestinal GI Practice Practice Test

Gastrointestinal GI Practice Practice Test

GI Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders