Which of the following statements about laryngeal tuberculosis (TB) is true?
Posterosuperior retraction pocket if allowed to progress will lead to?
What is the treatment of choice for atticoantral type of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM)?
What condition is characterized by a bluish appearance of the tympanic membrane?
All are intracranial complications of otitis media except which of the following?
Which of the following statements about tubercular otitis media is false?
In which condition is the Schwartze sign observed?
Most common bone affected by otosclerosis?
In otosclerosis, which structure is primarily affected?
In otosclerosis, the tympanogram is:
NEET-PG 2013 - ENT NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 31: Which of the following statements about laryngeal tuberculosis (TB) is true?
- A. It commonly involves the posterior 1/3 of the vocal cord.
- B. It is more common in females.
- C. It is a common form of tuberculosis.
- D. It presents with a mouse-nibbled appearance of the vocal cord. (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***It presents with a mouse-nibbled appearance of the vocal cord.*** - The appearance of a **mouse-nibbled vocal cord** is a classic and pathognomonic description of the irregular, ulcerated, and often edematous lesions seen in laryngeal tuberculosis. - This characteristic finding is due to the granulomatous inflammation and tissue destruction caused by *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* in the larynx. *It commonly involves the posterior 1/3 of the vocal cord.* - Laryngeal tuberculosis typically affects the **anterior two-thirds of the vocal cord**, rather than the posterior third, and often involves the arytenoids and epiglottis. - The involvement pattern can be variable, but posterior involvement is less common than mid-cord or anterior involvement. *It is more common in females.* - Laryngeal tuberculosis is generally **more common in males** than in females, with a male-to-female ratio often reported to be around 2-3:1. - This higher prevalence in males may be attributed to a combination of factors including occupational exposure and lifestyle choices. *It is a common form of tuberculosis.* - Laryngeal tuberculosis is considered a **rare form of extrapulmonary TB**, accounting for a small percentage of all TB cases. - Pulmonary tuberculosis is much more common, and laryngeal involvement is often secondary to active pulmonary disease, occurring via direct spread of infected sputum.
Question 32: Posterosuperior retraction pocket if allowed to progress will lead to?
- A. SNHL
- B. Secondary cholesteatoma
- C. Primary cholesteatoma (Correct Answer)
- D. Tympanosclerosis
Explanation: ***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.
Question 33: What is the treatment of choice for atticoantral type of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM)?
- A. Tympanoplasty
- B. Modified radical mastoidectomy (Correct Answer)
- C. None of the options
- D. Antibiotics
Explanation: ***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.
Question 34: What condition is characterized by a bluish appearance of the tympanic membrane?
- A. Otitis media with effusion (Correct Answer)
- B. Chronic suppurative otitis media
- C. Normal tympanic membrane
- D. Tympanic membrane perforation
Explanation: ***Otitis media with effusion (with hemotympanum)*** - A bluish appearance of the tympanic membrane is characteristically seen when there is **blood in the middle ear space (hemotympanum)**, which can occur in **otitis media with effusion containing hemorrhagic fluid**. - The blue discoloration results from **blood or hemorrhagic effusion** behind the intact tympanic membrane, which imparts a blue or purple hue when visualized through the translucent drum. - This can occur with **traumatic hemotympanum** (basal skull fracture, temporal bone trauma), **hemorrhagic OME**, or in patients with **bleeding disorders**. - Classic causes of blue tympanic membrane include middle ear hemorrhage associated with effusion. *Chronic suppurative otitis media* - CSOM typically involves persistent **purulent (pus-filled) discharge** and often a **perforation of the tympanic membrane**. - The tympanic membrane in CSOM is usually **inflamed, thickened, or perforated**, with active mucopurulent drainage rather than a bluish tinge. - The blue discoloration specifically indicates **blood in the middle ear**, not purulent infection. *Normal tympanic membrane* - A normal tympanic membrane is **pearly gray, translucent**, and mobile, with a visible cone of light and normal middle ear landmarks. - It does not exhibit bluish discoloration, which specifically indicates **underlying hemorrhage or hemorrhagic fluid** in the middle ear space. *Tympanic membrane perforation* - A perforation is a **visible hole or defect in the eardrum**, often with evidence of drainage. - While perforations can occur with various middle ear pathologies, a **blue/purple discoloration of an intact drum** specifically indicates **hemotympanum** (blood behind the membrane), not a perforation itself.
Question 35: All are intracranial complications of otitis media except which of the following?
- A. Brain abscess
- B. Hydrocephalus
- C. Lateral sinus thrombophlebitis
- D. Facial nerve palsy (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Facial nerve palsy*** - This is an **extracranial complication** of otitis media affecting the **facial nerve within the temporal bone**, not an intracranial structure. - The facial nerve (CN VII) runs through the **fallopian canal** in the temporal bone and can be affected by inflammation from adjacent mastoid or middle ear infection. - Classified as a **temporal bone complication** rather than an intracranial complication. *Lateral sinus thrombophlebitis* - This is a true **intracranial complication** involving thrombosis of the **sigmoid and lateral venous sinuses** within the cranial cavity. - Results from direct extension of infection through the **mastoid tegmen** or via septic thrombophlebitis. - Presents with features of sepsis, headache, and papilledema. *Brain abscess* - A severe **intracranial complication** representing focal suppurative infection within the **brain parenchyma** (commonly temporal lobe or cerebellum). - Occurs through direct extension via bony erosion, retrograde thrombophlebitis, or hematogenous spread. - Requires urgent neurosurgical intervention. *Hydrocephalus* - An **intracranial complication** that can occur secondary to **otogenic meningitis** or **lateral sinus thrombosis**. - Results from impaired CSF absorption or obstruction of CSF pathways. - More common in pediatric otitis media with CNS complications.
Question 36: Which of the following statements about tubercular otitis media is false?
- A. Spreads through the eustachian tube
- B. Usually affects only one ear
- C. Causes painful ear discharge (Correct Answer)
- D. May cause multiple perforations
Explanation: ***Causes painful ear discharge*** - **Pain** is typically an **absent or minimal symptom** in tubercular otitis media, even with significant ear discharge. - The discharge is usually **thin, watery, and non-purulent**, reflecting the indolent nature of the infection. *Spreads through the eustachian tube* - Tubercular otitis media can spread via the **eustachian tube** from the nasopharynx, especially in cases of active pulmonary or pharyngeal tuberculosis. - This is a common route for infectious agents to reach the middle ear. *Usually affects only one ear* - Tubercular otitis media predominantly presents as a **unilateral infection**. - While bilateral involvement can occur, it is less common than unilateral presentation. *May cause multiple perforations* - Tubercular otitis media is notorious for causing **multiple, small perforations** in the tympanic membrane. - This feature, often described as a "sieve-like" drum, is a characteristic diagnostic clue for the condition.
Question 37: In which condition is the Schwartze sign observed?
- A. Glomus Jugulare
- B. Otosclerosis (Correct Answer)
- C. Acoustic neuroma
- D. Meniere's disease
Explanation: ***Otosclerosis*** - The **Schwartze sign** is a reddish blush seen through the tympanic membrane, indicative of increased vascularity over the promontory. - It is a classic clinical finding in **active otosclerosis**, distinguishing it from inactive forms. *Glomus Jugulare* - This is a highly **vascular tumor** of the middle ear and mastoid, often presenting with pulsating tinnitus and hearing loss. - While vascularity is present, it manifests as a **reddish-blue mass behind the tympanic membrane**, not the diffuse blush characteristic of Schwartze sign. *Meniere's disease* - Characterized by episodes of **vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus**, and aural fullness due to endolymphatic hydrops. - It does not present with any specific otoscopic findings like the Schwartze sign. *Acoustic neuroma* - This is a **benign tumor of the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)**, typically causing progressive unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues. - It does not produce any visible changes on otoscopy and therefore lacks the Schwartze sign.
Question 38: Most common bone affected by otosclerosis?
- A. Stapes (Correct Answer)
- B. Bony labyrinth
- C. Mastoid process
- D. Incus
Explanation: ***Stapes*** - **Otosclerosis** is characterized by abnormal bone remodeling in the otic capsule, primarily affecting the **stapes footplate**. - This leads to its fixation in the oval window, causing **conductive hearing loss**. - The **stapediovestibular joint** is the most common site, occurring in over 90% of cases. *Bony labyrinth* - While otosclerosis originates in the **otic capsule** (which forms the bony labyrinth), the term refers to a broader anatomical structure. - The specific site of clinical significance is the **stapes footplate**, not the labyrinth as a whole. *Mastoid process* - The **mastoid process** is part of the temporal bone but is structurally distinct from the middle ear and otic capsule. - It is not involved in otosclerosis pathology. *Incus* - While the **incus** is a middle ear ossicle, it is rarely affected by otosclerosis. - The disease process specifically targets the **stapes footplate** at the oval window, not other ossicles.
Question 39: In otosclerosis, which structure is primarily affected?
- A. Round window
- B. Utricle
- C. Oval window
- D. Foot plate of stapes (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Foot plate of stapes*** - Otosclerosis is a disease of the **temporal bone** that causes abnormal bone growth, primarily affecting the footplate of the stapes. - This abnormal bone growth leads to the **fixation of the stapes** in the oval window, impairing sound conduction and causing **conductive hearing loss**. *Oval window* - While the oval window is the location where the stapes articulates, otosclerosis specifically affects the **footplate of the stapes**, causing it to become fixed within the oval window. - The oval window itself is a structure of the inner ear, but the primary pathology involves the **stapes bone**. *Round window* - The round window plays a role in relieving pressure in the **cochlea** by bulging outwards when the oval window bulges inwards. - It is **not directly affected** by the abnormal bone growth characteristic of otosclerosis. *Utricle* - The utricle is a part of the **vestibular system** in the inner ear, responsible for sensing linear acceleration and head tilt. - It is **not involved** in the pathogenesis of otosclerosis, which is primarily a conductive hearing loss disorder.
Question 40: In otosclerosis, the tympanogram is:
- A. Low compliance (Correct Answer)
- B. High compliance
- C. Normal compliance
- D. None of the options
Explanation: ***Low compliance*** - In **otosclerosis**, the **stapes footplate** becomes fixed in the **oval window**, hindering sound transmission. - This fixation leads to reduced movement of the **tympanic membrane** and ossicular chain, resulting in a **low-compliance tympanogram** (Type As). *High compliance* - **High compliance** (Type Ad tympanogram) indicates a very mobile or **flaccid tympanic membrane**, often seen in conditions like **ossicular discontinuity**. - This is opposite to the stiffening effect seen in otosclerosis. *Normal compliance* - A **normal tympanogram** (Type A) signifies healthy middle ear function with appropriate pressure and mobility. - This would not be observed in otosclerosis, where there is a clear pathology affecting the **ossicular chain** and sound conduction. *None of the options* - This is incorrect because **otosclerosis** presents with a characteristic **low-compliance tympanogram**. - The disease specifically impairs the **mobility of the middle ear system**, which directly impacts tympanometric findings.