skip to main content

Common variable immunodeficiency — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardImmunologyCommon variable immunodeficiencySCE Acute Medicine

A 42-year-old woman presents with her third admission for pneumonia in two years and chronic diarrhoea. CT chest shows bronchiectasis. Immunoglobulin testing reveals low IgG and IgA with poor pneumococcal vaccine responses. HIV test is negative. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Common variable immunodeficiency

Recurrent sinopulmonary infections, bronchiectasis, diarrhoea and low IgG/IgA with poor vaccine response suggest CVID. Selective IgA deficiency would not lower IgG. HIV is less likely with a negative test and antibody pattern. The pearl is that adult-onset bronchiectasis with recurrent infection should prompt immunoglobulin testing.

Reference: BSI immunodeficiency guidance; NICE CKS bronchiectasis