A 52-year-old man with a 10-year history of rheumatoid arthritis presents with progressive joint destruction and systemic manifestations. Regarding the cellular and molecular features of chronic inflammation in this condition, all of the following are characteristic EXCEPT:

Question

Accepted Answer

A. Rapid resolution within 2–3 weeks with complete tissue restoration. ## Chronic Inflammation: Key Cellular and Molecular Features

**Key Point:** Chronic inflammation is characterized by a prolonged course (weeks to years) with simultaneous tissue destruction and attempted repair, NOT rapid resolution.

### Characteristic Features of Chronic Inflammation

| Feature | Description | Mechanism |
|---------|-------------|----------|
| **Cell type** | Lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cells, fibroblasts | Persistent antigen/irritant stimulation |
| **Tissue response** | Fibrosis, angiogenesis, granulation tissue | Repair attempt alongside ongoing injury |
| **Duration** | Weeks to months to years | Unresolved causative stimulus |
| **Outcome** | Tissue destruction + scarring | Chronic cycle of injury and repair |
| **Acute inflammation** | Rapid onset, neutrophil-dominant, resolves in days | Opposite of chronic |

### Why Option 3 is Incorrect

**High-Yield:** Chronic inflammation does NOT resolve rapidly. By definition, it persists for weeks to years. The hallmark is **simultaneous tissue destruction and repair**, not complete restoration. Acute inflammation resolves in 2–3 weeks; chronic inflammation does not.

### Why the Other Options Are Correct

1. **Lymphocytes and macrophages** — The classic chronic inflammatory infiltrate, replacing the neutrophil-dominant acute phase.
2. **Fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition** — Central to chronic inflammation; leads to fibrosis and scarring (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis in TB, hepatic cirrhosis).
4. **Angiogenesis and granulation tissue** — Part of the reparative phase; new blood vessels and connective tissue form as the body attempts healing.

**Clinical Pearl:** In rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammation drives pannus formation (fibroblast-rich tissue) that erodes cartilage and bone — a hallmark of chronic joint disease.

**Mnemonic:** **CLAM** = **C**hronic, **L**ymphocytes, **A**ngiogenesis, **M**acrophages — the four pillars of chronic inflammation.

Answer

B. Angiogenesis and formation of granulation tissue

Answer

C. Fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition leading to tissue fibrosis

Answer

D. Predominance of lymphocytes and macrophages in the inflammatory infiltrate

A 52-year-old man with a 10-year history of rheumatoid arthritis presents with progressive joint destruction and systemic manifestations. Regarding the cellular and molecular features of chronic inflammation in this condition, all of the following are characteristic EXCEPT:

Explanation

Chronic Inflammation: Key Cellular and Molecular Features

Characteristic Features of Chronic Inflammation

Why Option 3 is Incorrect

Why the Other Options Are Correct

Practice similar questions

Join our NEET PG community

Feature	Description	Mechanism
Cell type	Lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cells, fibroblasts	Persistent antigen/irritant stimulation
Tissue response	Fibrosis, angiogenesis, granulation tissue	Repair attempt alongside ongoing injury
Duration	Weeks to months to years	Unresolved causative stimulus
Outcome	Tissue destruction + scarring	Chronic cycle of injury and repair
Acute inflammation	Rapid onset, neutrophil-dominant, resolves in days	Opposite of chronic