NEET-PG 2013 - ENT Practice Questions

Q: What is the most common cause of ASOM?

Pneumococci. ***Pneumococci*** - **_Streptococcus pneumoniae_ (Pneumococci)** is the **most common bacterial cause** of Acute Suppurative Otitis Media (ASOM) in all age groups, particularly in young children. - It accounts for an estimated 25-50% of all ASOM cases, often leading to significant inflammation and **purulent discharge**. *Meningococci* - **_Neisseria meningitidis_ (Meningococci)** is rarely a cause of ASOM. - It is primarily known for causing **meningitis** and **sepsis**, not typically middle ear infections. *H. influenzae* - **_Haemophilus influenzae_ (non-typable)** is the **second most common cause** of ASOM, accounting for 20-40% of cases. - While significant, it is generally less prevalent than _Streptococcus pneumoniae_. *Moraxella catarrhalis* - **_Moraxella catarrhalis_** is another common causative agent of ASOM, responsible for 10-20% of cases. - It is frequently seen in conjunction with other pathogens but is not the most common on its own.

Q: What is the most common fungal cause of otomycosis?

Aspergillus. ***Aspergillus*** - **Aspergillus niger** and **Aspergillus flavus** are the most frequently isolated fungal species in cases of **otomycosis**. - These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like the **external auditory canal** and produce spores that can cause infection. *Histoplasma* - **Histoplasma capsulatum** is associated with **histoplasmosis**, a systemic fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs. - It is not a common cause of otomycosis, as it typically causes **pulmonary and disseminated disease**, not external ear canal infections. *Rhinosporidium* - **Rhinosporidium seeberi** causes **rhinosporidiosis**, a chronic granulomatous disease that primarily affects the **mucous membranes of the nose and nasopharynx**. - While it can affect other mucous membranes, it is not a typical cause of **otomycosis**. *Actinomyces* - **Actinomyces** is a genus of **gram-positive bacteria**, not fungi, known for causing **actinomycosis**. - Actinomycosis is characterized by **abscess formation and fistulas** and does not typically present as otomycosis.

Q: Bullous myringitis is caused by?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae. ***Mycoplasma pneumoniae*** - **Bullous myringitis** is characterized by the formation of **blisters** (bullae) on the **tympanic membrane**, which is a classic presentation associated with *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* infection. - While other bacteria can cause otitis media, *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* has a strong association with the development of **hemorrhagic bullae** on the eardrum. *Streptococcus pneumoniae* - This bacterium is the **most common cause** of **acute otitis media (AOM)**, but it typically presents with inflammation and bulging of the tympanic membrane **without** the characteristic bullae. - While it can cause severe ear infections, its typical presentation does not involve the **blister formation** seen in bullous myringitis. *Haemophilus influenzae* - This is another **common bacterial cause** of **acute otitis media**, especially in children, often leading to bulging and redness of the eardrum. - Similar to *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, it is not typically associated with the development of **bullae** on the tympanic membrane. *Candida* - **Candida** species are **fungi** and are a cause of **otitis externa** (ear canal infection) or, less commonly, **chronic otitis media**, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. - Fungal infections of the ear, including Candida, do **not** typically cause the characteristic **bullous myringitis** presentation.

Q: What are the potential causes of myringosclerosis?

Chronic inflammation from recurrent infections. ***Chronic inflammation from recurrent infections*** - **Myringosclerosis** is often a consequence of **chronic inflammation** and repair processes in the tympanic membrane (eardrum), commonly triggered by **recurrent otitis media** (middle ear infections). - The inflammatory exudates and subsequent healing lead to the deposition of **calcium and phosphate crystals** within the fibrous layer of the tympanic membrane, causing it to become stiff and opaque. *Genetic predisposition* - While genetics can play a role in some ear conditions, **myringosclerosis** is primarily an **acquired condition** rather than one solely determined by genetic factors. - No specific strong genetic link has been identified as a primary cause compared to environmental triggers. *Otosclerosis* - **Otosclerosis** is a condition affecting the **ossicles** (typically the stapes) in the middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss due to abnormal bone growth, not directly affecting the tympanic membrane. - Myringosclerosis involves the eardrum itself, characterized by **calcification of the tympanic membrane**, which is distinct from the pathology of otosclerosis. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **chronic inflammation from recurrent infections** is a well-established cause of myringosclerosis. - The presence of a correct answer negates this choice.

Q: What is the preferred method for removing a foreign body from the lung in children?

Rigid bronchoscopy. ***Rigid bronchoscopy*** - **Rigid bronchoscopy** is the preferred method for removing foreign bodies from the lung in children due to its ability to provide better air control, magnified viewing, and larger working channels for robust grasping tools. - It allows for complete ventilation control and isolation of the airway, which is crucial in children where airway obstruction can rapidly lead to respiratory compromise. *Chest x-ray* - A **chest x-ray** is a diagnostic tool used to identify the presence and location of a foreign body, but it is not a method for removal. - Many foreign bodies, especially non-radiopaque ones like food, may not be visible on an x-ray, making it unreliable for definitive diagnosis of presence or absence. *Flexible endoscopy* - While **flexible bronchoscopy** can be used for foreign body removal in some adults or specific situations, it is generally less effective and carries higher risks in children, especially for larger or lodged objects. - Its smaller working channels and less stable airway control make it less suitable for urgent and complete removal in the pediatric population. *Direct laryngoscopy* - **Direct laryngoscopy** is used to visualize the larynx and vocal cords, primarily to remove foreign bodies from the upper airway or intubate, but not typically for removal of foreign bodies lodged deep within the main bronchi or lungs. - It does not offer direct access or visualization of the lower bronchial tree where most aspirated foreign bodies in children tend to lodge.

Q: Moure's sign (lateral displacement of the soft palate) is associated with which of the following conditions?

Peritonsillar abscess. ***Peritonsillar abscess (Quinsy)*** - **Moure's sign** refers to the **lateral displacement of the soft palate** toward the affected side, which is a classic finding in **peritonsillar abscess**. - This occurs due to the **accumulation of pus** between the tonsillar capsule and the superior constrictor muscle, causing the soft palate to bulge and deviate. - Other features include **severe throat pain**, trismus, drooling, and a "hot potato" voice. *Laryngeal carcinoma* - **Laryngeal carcinoma** presents with **hoarseness**, dysphagia, and potential airway obstruction. - While laryngeal examination may show mass lesions or vocal cord fixation, **soft palate displacement is not a feature** of laryngeal malignancy. *Chronic tonsillitis* - **Chronic tonsillitis** involves recurrent throat infections with tonsillar hypertrophy and cryptic debris. - It does **not cause acute soft palate displacement** like peritonsillar abscess does. *Acute epiglottitis* - **Acute epiglottitis** is characterized by **supraglottic inflammation** causing severe dysphagia, drooling, and stridor. - The pathology is at the **epiglottis level**, not the peritonsillar space, so **Moure's sign is absent**.

Q: What is the treatment of choice for atticoantral type of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM)?

Modified radical mastoidectomy. ***Modified radical mastoidectomy*** - The **atticoantral type of CSOM** is characterized by active **cholesteatoma**, which requires surgical removal to prevent further bone erosion and complications. - A **modified radical mastoidectomy** is the treatment of choice as it removes the cholesteatoma and diseased mastoid air cells while aiming to preserve residual hearing. *Antibiotics* - While topical or systemic antibiotics may be used to control acute infections or discharge in CSOM, they do not eradicate **cholesteatoma**. - **Cholesteatoma** is an epidermoid cyst that requires surgical excision, as antibiotics alone cannot resolve it. *Tympanoplasty* - **Tympanoplasty** is primarily performed to reconstruct the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and/or the ossicular chain to restore hearing. - It is typically indicated for the **tubotympanic type of CSOM** (safe type) without cholesteatoma, not for the atticoantral type which involves cholesteatoma. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **modified radical mastoidectomy** is a well-established and necessary treatment for the atticoantral type of CSOM involving cholesteatoma.

Q: Which of the following statements about Grisel syndrome is false?

A neurosurgeon is never needed.. ***A neurosurgeon is never needed.*** - This statement is false because severe cases of **Grisel syndrome** may require surgical intervention, necessitating consultation with a **neurosurgeon**. - Surgical management, such as **cervical fusion**, may be indicated in cases of irreducible subluxation or neurological compromise. *It can occur after adenoidectomy.* - This statement is true; **Grisel syndrome** is a rare complication that may occur following **adenoidectomy** or other head and neck surgeries. - The postulated mechanism involves inflammation spreading from the pharynx to the alar and transverse ligaments, leading to **atlantoaxial subluxation**. *It involves inflammation of cervical spine ligaments.* - This statement is true; **Grisel syndrome** is characterized by non-traumatic **atlantoaxial subluxation** resulting from inflammatory laxity of the cervical ligaments. - Specifically, the **transverse and alar ligaments** become inflamed and weakened, leading to instability between the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). *Conservative treatment is the first-line approach in most cases.* - This statement is true; initial management of **Grisel syndrome** typically involves conservative measures such as **neck immobilization**, pain control, and muscle relaxants. - Early diagnosis and conservative treatment are crucial to prevent progression and potential neurological complications.

Q: Posterosuperior retraction pocket if allowed to progress will lead to?

Primary cholesteatoma. ***Primary cholesteatoma*** - A posterosuperior retraction pocket is a common precursor to the development of a **primary cholesteatoma**. - This pocket, formed by **negative pressure** in the middle ear, accumulates **desquamated keratin** and can erode surrounding bone. *SNHL* - While a cholesteatoma can ultimately cause **sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)** due to extensive bone erosion affecting the inner ear, it is a later complication, not the direct outcome of the initial retraction pocket itself. - **SNHL** is more commonly associated with conditions directly damaging the **cochlea or auditory nerve**. *Secondary cholesteatoma* - A **secondary cholesteatoma** typically arises from a perforation in the tympanic membrane where skin migrates into the middle ear, not from an intact retraction pocket. - This condition is also known as a **'migratory'** or **'acquired'** cholesteatoma. *Tympanosclerosis* - **Tympanosclerosis** involves the formation of **hyalinized collagen and calcium deposits** within the tympanic membrane or middle ear mucosa, resulting from chronic inflammation or previous trauma. - It is a **fibrotic healing response** and does not directly result from a retraction pocket, although both can be sequelae of chronic otitis media.

Q: In which condition do symptoms improve with crying?

Choanal atresia. ***Choanal atresia*** - In **bilateral choanal atresia**, a newborn is unable to breathe through the nose due to a bony or membranous obstruction. Symptoms like **cyanosis** worsen with feeding and improve with crying because crying involves **mouth breathing**, which bypasses the nasal obstruction. - This condition is a **medical emergency** as newborns are obligate nasal breathers, and immediate intervention (e.g., oral airway, surgical repair) is often required. *Tetralogy of Fallot* - This congenital heart defect can lead to **cyanotic spells** (hypercyanotic or "tet" spells), which are characterized by increased cyanosis, tachypnea, and irritability. These spells are often precipitated by activities that increase right-to-left shunting, and **crying can worsen them** rather than improve them due to increased systemic oxygen demand and vascular resistance. - Management often involves positioning (knee-chest) and medications to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance or increase systemic vascular resistance, to alleviate shunting. *Bronchial asthma* - **Crying is a common trigger for asthma attacks** in children, as it can induce bronchoconstriction due to hyperventilation and airway irritation. Symptoms typically worsen with crying, leading to **wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath**. - Asthma is characterized by **reversible airway obstruction** and airway hyperresponsiveness, and its symptoms do not improve with crying. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **choanal atresia** is a condition where symptoms (specifically cyanosis) do improve with crying due to the switch from nasal to mouth breathing.

Question 1

What is the most common cause of ASOM?

Accepted Answer

Pneumococci

Answer

Meningococci

Answer

H. influenzae

Answer

Moraxella catarrhalis

Question 2

What is the most common fungal cause of otomycosis?

Accepted Answer

Aspergillus

Answer

Histoplasma

Answer

Rhinosporidium

Answer

Actinomyces

Question 3

Bullous myringitis is caused by?

Accepted Answer

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Answer

Haemophilus influenzae

Answer

Candida

Answer

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Question 4

What are the potential causes of myringosclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Chronic inflammation from recurrent infections

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Otosclerosis

Answer

None of the options

Question 5

What is the preferred method for removing a foreign body from the lung in children?

Accepted Answer

Rigid bronchoscopy

Answer

Chest x-ray

Answer

Flexible endoscopy

Answer

Direct laryngoscopy

Question 6

Moure's sign (lateral displacement of the soft palate) is associated with which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Peritonsillar abscess

Answer

Laryngeal carcinoma

Answer

Chronic tonsillitis

Answer

Acute epiglottitis

Question 7

What is the treatment of choice for atticoantral type of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM)?

Accepted Answer

Modified radical mastoidectomy

Answer

Tympanoplasty

Answer

None of the options

Answer

Antibiotics

Question 8

Which of the following statements about Grisel syndrome is false?

Accepted Answer

A neurosurgeon is never needed.

Answer

It can occur after adenoidectomy.

Answer

It involves inflammation of cervical spine ligaments.

Answer

Conservative treatment is the first-line approach in most cases.

Question 9

Posterosuperior retraction pocket if allowed to progress will lead to?

Accepted Answer

Primary cholesteatoma

Answer

SNHL

Answer

Secondary cholesteatoma

Answer

Tympanosclerosis

Question 10

In which condition do symptoms improve with crying?

Accepted Answer

Choanal atresia

Answer

Tetralogy of Fallot

Answer

Bronchial asthma

Answer

None of the options

NEET-PG 2013 — ENT