A 20-year-old woman presents with headache, vomiting, blurred vision, and desquamation of skin after consuming large amounts of polar bear liver during an expedition. Which acute toxicity syndrome is caused by excessive intake of this vitamin?
- A Hypervitaminosis A ✓
- B Hypervitaminosis D
- C Hypervitaminosis E
- D Hypervitaminosis K
Correct answer: A. Hypervitaminosis A
Explanation
Polar bear liver contains extremely high concentrations of vitamin A. Acute hypervitaminosis A causes increased intracranial pressure (pseudotumor cerebri) with headache, vomiting, and papilledema, followed by skin desquamation. Chronic toxicity causes hepatotoxicity and teratogenicity. Hypervitaminosis D causes hypercalcemia. Vitamin E and K have low toxicity profiles.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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