Inflammation and Immune Pathology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 45-year-old woman presents with joint pain, morning stiffness lasting 2 hours, and swelling in her hands and feet bilaterally. Laboratory studies show elevated rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies. Histology of a synovial biopsy reveals lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration with synovial hyperplasia. Which of the following pathologic findings is most characteristic of this condition?
Answer choices
- ACalcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal formation in cartilage
- BFibrinoid necrosis of medium-sized arteries with fibrin deposition
- CPannus formation with granulation tissue eroding cartilage and boneCorrect answer
- DMonosodium urate crystal deposition within synovial fluid
- EHyperplasia of synovial lining with minimal inflammatory infiltrate
- FDeposition of immune complexes in the glomerular basement membrane with crescent formation
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