SBA — Single Best Answer · Review
Question 403
Pathology → General
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
A chronic inflammatory lesion is identified without a clearly documented preceding acute episode. Which statement best describes the possible evolution of chronic inflammation?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
It can occur only after complete resolution of acute inflammation
B
It may follow acute inflammation, result from recurrent acute attacks, or arise de novo
C
It requires previous abscess formation in every case
D
It occurs only when neutrophils remain the dominant cell indefinitely
E
It cannot coexist with tissue repair
Explanation
Chronic inflammation may develop following an acute inflammatory episode, after repeated or recurrent acute inflammation, or may arise as chronic inflammation from the outset. Its morphology combines persistent inflammation and tissue injury with attempts at repair.
Option Validity
A) Chronic inflammation does not require complete resolution of a preceding acute episode.
C) Abscess formation is not an obligatory precursor of chronic inflammation.
D) Chronic inflammation is characterised predominantly by mononuclear inflammatory cells rather than indefinite neutrophil predominance.
E) Fibroblast and vascular proliferation, collagen deposition and repair are characteristic components of chronic inflammation.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Chapter 5: Pathology. General Pathology, pp.161–175.