CARDIO Pathology – 2025/2026 | 200+ Questions with Verified Answers | Vasculitis, Cardiomyopathies, Valvular Disease, Congenital Defects

This document features over 200 comprehensive, high-yield questions and correct answers for Cardiovascular Pathology, aligned with the 2025/2026 academic cycle and ideal for USMLE, COMLEX, NBME, and pathology course exams. Based on systems-style learning and exam integration, this Q&A set covers vascular disorders, myocardial diseases, valvular pathology, and congenital defects in clinical context. Organized in a clear, rapid-review format, it includes disease-defining associations, treatment options, high-yield mechanisms, and classic board-style findings. Key systems and topics covered: – Vasculitis classification by size: including giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, Kawasaki disease, Buerger disease, Wegener granulomatosis, Churg-Strauss, HSP – Key pathologic features and patient demographics for each vasculitis – Vascular tumors: hemangioma, Kaposi sarcoma (HHV-8), angiosarcoma – Arteriosclerosis types: hyaline, hyperplastic, Monckeberg, atherosclerosis – Coronary syndromes: stable/unstable angina, Prinzmetal angina, MI, sudden cardiac death – Cardiomyopathies: dilated, hypertrophic (sarcomere mutations, myofiber disarray), restrictive, ARVD – Valvular disorders: mitral valve prolapse, aortic regurgitation, rheumatic heart disease, stenosis and regurgitation with murmur patterns and complications – Congenital heart diseases: ASD, VSD, PDA, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great vessels, Eisenmenger syndrome – Syndromic associations: Turner (coarctation), Down (ASD), rubella (PDA), diabetes (transposition) – High-yield pathology signs: “boot-shaped heart,” “notching of ribs,” ST changes, machine-like murmurs, J♥NES criteria This resource is designed for: – Medical students (OMS, MD, DO) reviewing for pathology, cardiology systems blocks, or COMLEX/USMLE Step 1 & 2 – PA, NP, and nursing students seeking advanced cardiovascular review – Educators and tutors creating question banks or clinical-style quizzes – Students aiming for A+ performance in integrated organ system courses All questions are paired with clear, board-relevant answers and mnemonics where appropriate, offering a fast-paced but deep dive into cardiovascular pathology for any high-stakes exam setting. Keywords: cardiovascular pathology, vasculitis, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, congenital heart defects, USMLE Step 1, COMLEX, aortic stenosis, Takayasu arteritis, Kawasaki disease, stable angina, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, JONES criteria, ASD, VSD, Eisenmenger, rheumatic heart disease, boot-shaped heart