Organ System Pathology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 23-year-old woman presents with a 6-month history of chronic abdominal pain, nonbloody diarrhea, and 8-lb weight loss. Vital signs show HR 92/min, BP 118/76 mmHg, temperature 37.2°C, and normal oxygen saturation. Laboratory studies reveal hemoglobin 10.2 g/dL and elevated CRP at 8.5 mg/dL. Colonoscopy demonstrates patchy areas of inflammation with intervening normal mucosa. Biopsy shows transmural inflammation with noncaseating granulomas. She denies hematochezia. Which complication is most likely?
Answer choices
- AToxic megacolon due to superficial mucosal inflammation
- BShortened, featureless colon with lead pipe appearance
- CPrimary sclerosing cholangitis
- DFistula formationCorrect answer
- EDisease limited to the rectum
- FStricturing Crohn disease causing small bowel obstruction
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