INI-CET 2015 — Dermatology

Q: The image shows presence of:

Nevus of Ota. - ***Nevus of Ota*** - The image exhibits a characteristic **blue-grey or brownish discoloration** on the face, specifically around the eye (periorbital region) and extending to the temple and cheek. - The presence of **scleral pigmentation** (blue discoloration of the sclera) is a classic finding associated with Nevus of Ota, due to dermal melanocytosis affecting both skin and ocular structures. - *Nevus spilus* - This condition presents as a **light brown patch** with speckles of darker macules or papules within it, resembling "spots on a spot." - It does not typically involve the deep blue-grey coloration or ocular pigmentation seen in the image. - *Giant melanocytic nevus of face* - While also a melanocytic nevus, a giant congenital melanocytic nevus is typically much larger, often covering extensive body areas, and has a more **uniform dark brown to black coloration** with a rugose or hairy surface, differing from the blue-grey hue and distribution shown. - Though it can occur on the face, the overall appearance, particularly the distinct blue-grey color and scleral involvement, is not typical for a giant melanocytic nevus. - *Port wine stain* - A port wine stain is a type of **capillary malformation** characterized by a flat, pink to red vascular lesion that darkens with age to a deep purple. - It blanches under pressure and is due to dilated capillaries, not melanin deposition, and does not cause the blue-grey pigmentation or scleral involvement seen here. [Practice more Dermatology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: An elderly patient presents with itchy tense blisters on normal looking skin as well as on urticarial plaques as shown below. The most probable diagnosis is: (AIIMS Nov 2015)

Bullous pemphigoid. ***Bullous pemphigoid*** - This condition typically presents in **elderly patients** with **itchy, tense blisters** on either normal or erythematous/urticarial skin, which aligns with the clinical description and image. - The blisters in bullous pemphigoid are characterized by **subepidermal blistering**, meaning the epidermis separates from the dermis, resulting in tense, fluid-filled lesions. *Pemphigus vulgaris* - Characterized by **flaccid blisters** that rupture easily, leading to erosions, unlike the tense blisters seen in the image. - Pemphigus vulgaris frequently involves **mucous membranes** and is caused by autoantibodies against desmoglein 1 and 3, leading to intraepidermal blistering (acantholysis). *Linear IgA disease* - This autoimmune blistering condition typically presents with **annular or rosette-shaped lesions** with small peripheral blisters, often referred to as a "string of pearls" appearance, which is not evident in the image. - On **direct immunofluorescence**, it shows a linear deposition of IgA at the dermoepidermal junction. *Dermatitis herpetiformis* - Often presents with **intensely pruritic papules and vesicles** typically found on extensor surfaces (elbows, knees, buttocks), and the lesions are often excoriated due to scratching. - Strongly associated with **celiac disease** and characterized by granular IgA deposits in the dermal papillae on direct immunofluorescence, distinguishing it from the tense blisters seen. [Practice more Dermatology PYQs on OnCourse]

2 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations

Questions

All Subjects Anesthesiology (2)Community Medicine (2)Dermatology (2)ENT (1)Forensic Medicine (1)Internal Medicine (1)Internal Medicine (1)Microbiology (5)Obstetrics and Gynecology (4)Pathology (3)Pathology (4)Pediatrics (2)Pharmacology (3)Radiology (4)Surgery (1)

The image shows presence of:

An elderly patient presents with itchy tense blisters on normal looking skin as well as on urticarial plaques as shown below. The most probable diagnosis is: (AIIMS Nov 2015)

INI-CET 2015 - Dermatology INI-CET Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: The image shows presence of:

A. Nevus of Ota (Correct Answer)
B. Nevus spilus
C. Giant melanocytic nevus of face
D. Port wine stain

Explanation: - ***Nevus of Ota*** - The image exhibits a characteristic **blue-grey or brownish discoloration** on the face, specifically around the eye (periorbital region) and extending to the temple and cheek. - The presence of **scleral pigmentation** (blue discoloration of the sclera) is a classic finding associated with Nevus of Ota, due to dermal melanocytosis affecting both skin and ocular structures. - *Nevus spilus* - This condition presents as a **light brown patch** with speckles of darker macules or papules within it, resembling "spots on a spot." - It does not typically involve the deep blue-grey coloration or ocular pigmentation seen in the image. - *Giant melanocytic nevus of face* - While also a melanocytic nevus, a giant congenital melanocytic nevus is typically much larger, often covering extensive body areas, and has a more **uniform dark brown to black coloration** with a rugose or hairy surface, differing from the blue-grey hue and distribution shown. - Though it can occur on the face, the overall appearance, particularly the distinct blue-grey color and scleral involvement, is not typical for a giant melanocytic nevus. - *Port wine stain* - A port wine stain is a type of **capillary malformation** characterized by a flat, pink to red vascular lesion that darkens with age to a deep purple. - It blanches under pressure and is due to dilated capillaries, not melanin deposition, and does not cause the blue-grey pigmentation or scleral involvement seen here.

Question 2: An elderly patient presents with itchy tense blisters on normal looking skin as well as on urticarial plaques as shown below. The most probable diagnosis is: (AIIMS Nov 2015)

A. Pemphigus vulgaris
B. Linear IgA disease
C. Bullous pemphigoid (Correct Answer)
D. Dermatitis herpetiformis

Explanation: ***Bullous pemphigoid*** - This condition typically presents in **elderly patients** with **itchy, tense blisters** on either normal or erythematous/urticarial skin, which aligns with the clinical description and image. - The blisters in bullous pemphigoid are characterized by **subepidermal blistering**, meaning the epidermis separates from the dermis, resulting in tense, fluid-filled lesions. *Pemphigus vulgaris* - Characterized by **flaccid blisters** that rupture easily, leading to erosions, unlike the tense blisters seen in the image. - Pemphigus vulgaris frequently involves **mucous membranes** and is caused by autoantibodies against desmoglein 1 and 3, leading to intraepidermal blistering (acantholysis). *Linear IgA disease* - This autoimmune blistering condition typically presents with **annular or rosette-shaped lesions** with small peripheral blisters, often referred to as a "string of pearls" appearance, which is not evident in the image. - On **direct immunofluorescence**, it shows a linear deposition of IgA at the dermoepidermal junction. *Dermatitis herpetiformis* - Often presents with **intensely pruritic papules and vesicles** typically found on extensor surfaces (elbows, knees, buttocks), and the lesions are often excoriated due to scratching. - Strongly associated with **celiac disease** and characterized by granular IgA deposits in the dermal papillae on direct immunofluorescence, distinguishing it from the tense blisters seen.