NEET-PG 2024 — ENT

Q: A singer presents with difficulty singing at a high pitch. On examination, bowing of the vocal cord is observed on the right side. Which of the following muscles has likely been compromised?

Cricothyroid. ***Cricothyroid*** - The **cricothyroid muscle** is primarily responsible for **tensioning and elongating the vocal cords**, which is crucial for increasing vocal pitch. - Damage to this muscle or its innervation (superior laryngeal nerve) results in an inability to reach higher pitches and can cause **vocal cord bowing** due to reduced tension. *Posterior cricoarytenoid* - This muscle is the **primary abductor** of the vocal cords, meaning it opens the vocal cords for breathing. - Compromise would lead to difficulty breathing or a paralyzed vocal cord in the adducted position, not bowing with difficulty singing high notes. *Lateral cricoarytenoid* - The **lateral cricoarytenoid muscle** is a **vocal cord adductor** and rotator, bringing the vocal cords together to regulate voice intensity. - Dysfunction typically results in a weak and breathy voice, or difficulty bringing the cords together, not specifically difficulty with high pitch. *Thyroarytenoid* - The **thyroarytenoid muscle** (which includes the vocalis muscle) acts to **relax and shorten the vocal cords**, lowering pitch and modulating vocal cord tension. - Dysfunction would primarily lead to difficulty with lower pitches or a hoarse voice, as it prevents proper relaxation of the vocal cords. [Practice more ENT PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: In a patient with right vestibular neuronitis, what will be the finding on the head impulse test?

Head turned to right, corrective saccade to the left. ***Head turned to right, corrective saccade to the left*** - In **right vestibular neuronitis**, the right vestibular apparatus is impaired, affecting the **vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR)** on that side. - During the head impulse test, when the head is rapidly turned **to the right** (toward the affected side), the impaired VOR cannot maintain eye fixation on the target. - The eyes initially move **with the head** (to the right), then a visible **corrective saccade** (catch-up saccade) brings them **back to the left** to refixate on the target. - This corrective saccade is the **hallmark positive finding** in head impulse test for right vestibular dysfunction. *Head turned to left, corrective saccade to the right* - This would indicate a **left vestibular lesion**, not right vestibular neuronitis. - When turning the head to the left with left vestibular dysfunction, a corrective saccade to the right would be observed. *Head turned to right, no corrective saccade* - This would indicate **normal VOR function** on the right side. - A normal response shows no corrective saccade because the eyes maintain fixation throughout the head turn. - This is the **opposite** of what is expected in right vestibular neuronitis. *Head turned to left, no corrective saccade* - This indicates normal VOR function on the left side. - In right vestibular neuronitis, turning the head to the left (away from the affected side) typically shows **normal VOR** with no corrective saccade needed. [Practice more ENT PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: A patient presents with conductive hearing loss, pulsatile tinnitus, and a positive Phelps sign. Based on the CT scan image provided, what is the most likely diagnosis?

Glomus Jugulare. ***Glomus Jugulare*** - The symptoms of **conductive hearing loss**, **pulsatile tinnitus**, and a **positive Phelps sign** (destruction of the bone separating the carotid artery from the jugular bulb on CT) are classic for a glomus jugulare tumor. - The CT scan image, showing a destructive lesion in the **jugular foramen** region, further supports this diagnosis, as these tumors originate from the paraganglia of the jugular bulb. *Glomus Tympanicum* - While it can cause conductive hearing loss and pulsatile tinnitus, a glomus tympanicum tumor is typically **confined to the middle ear cavity** and does not involve bone erosion of the jugular foramen as indicated by a positive Phelps sign. - The CT findings would show a mass in the middle ear, often behind an intact tympanic membrane, rather than extensive bone destruction in the jugular region. *Acoustic Neuroma* - This tumor, also known as a **vestibular schwannoma**, primarily causes **sensorineural hearing loss**, **tinnitus** (often non-pulsatile), and **balance issues**, not conductive hearing loss or pulsatile tinnitus. - An acoustic neuroma is located in the **cerebellopontine angle** and internal auditory canal, and the CT scan would show a mass in this specific location, not necessarily bone erosion of the jugular foramen. *Cholesteatoma* - A cholesteatoma is a **destructive, expanding growth of keratinizing squamous epithelium** in the middle ear or mastoid, typically presenting with **conductive hearing loss**, **otorrhea**, and sometimes headaches. - It does not typically cause pulsatile tinnitus unless it's very large and vascularized, nor does it present with the characteristic destruction of the jugular foramen seen with a positive Phelps sign. [Practice more ENT PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: A patient with chronic nasal obstruction underwent a procedure 3 months ago and now presents with recurrent epistaxis, crusting, and the clinical image showing a septal perforation. What procedure was most likely carried out?

Submucosal resection (SMR). ***Submucosal resection (SMR)*** - **SMR** involves removing cartilage or bone from the nasal septum while preserving the septal mucosa. If both mucosal flaps are inadvertently damaged or devitalized during the procedure, it can lead to a **septal perforation** as a complication. - The symptoms of **recurrent epistaxis** and **crusting** are classic signs associated with compromised septal integrity and airflow changes due to a septal perforation, which commonly occurs weeks to months after such a procedure. *FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery)* - **FESS** is primarily used to treat chronic sinusitis by opening and ventilating the sinuses; it does not directly involve the nasal septum in a way that typically causes perforation. - While complications are possible, a septal perforation is not a common or direct consequence of FESS, which focuses on ethmoid, maxillary, frontal, or sphenoid sinus drainage pathways. *Caldwell-Luc's procedure* - The **Caldwell-Luc procedure** involves an incision above the canine fossa to access the maxillary sinus. - It is specifically aimed at the maxillary sinus and does not involve surgical manipulation of the nasal septum that would lead to a septal perforation. *Turbinate reduction surgery* - **Turbinate reduction** procedures target the inferior turbinates to improve nasal airflow by reducing their size. - These procedures do not involve the nasal septum itself, so a septal perforation would not be a direct or common complication. [Practice more ENT PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: A 14-year-old child with a history of recurrent nasal bleeding has the endoscopic view provided. What is the investigation of choice?

CECT (Contrast-Enhanced CT). ***CECT (Contrast-Enhanced CT)*** - Given the history of recurrent nasal bleeding in an adolescent male suggestive of a **juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA)**, CECT is the investigation of choice to delineate the tumor's extent, vascularity, and involvement of surrounding structures. - CECT provides crucial information for surgical planning and assessing intracranial extension due to the highly vascular nature of JNAs. *Biopsy* - Biopsy of a suspected angiofibroma is generally **contraindicated** due to the high risk of severe and uncontrolled hemorrhage because the tumor is highly vascular and lacks a true capsule. - The diagnosis of JNA is usually made based on clinical presentation and imaging findings. *X-ray* - **X-rays** (like plain radiographs of the sinuses) offer limited soft tissue detail and are **insufficient** to accurately visualize the extent or vascularity of a nasopharyngeal mass. - They may show some bony erosion but cannot provide the detailed information needed for diagnosis or surgical planning of a JNA. *FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery)* - **FESS** is a **surgical procedure** used for treating chronic sinusitis and other sinonasal conditions, not primarily an investigative tool for a suspected tumor like JNA. - While endoscopy is used for initial visualization, **surgery** is a treatment, and detailed imaging must precede it to understand tumor boundaries. [Practice more ENT PYQs on OnCourse]

8 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations

Questions

A singer presents with difficulty singing at a high pitch. On examination, bowing of the vocal cord is observed on the right side. Which of the following muscles has likely been compromised?

In a patient with right vestibular neuronitis, what will be the finding on the head impulse test?

A patient presents with conductive hearing loss, pulsatile tinnitus, and a positive Phelps sign. Based on the CT scan image provided, what is the most likely diagnosis?

A patient with chronic nasal obstruction underwent a procedure 3 months ago and now presents with recurrent epistaxis, crusting, and the clinical image showing a septal perforation. What procedure was most likely carried out?

A 14-year-old child with a history of recurrent nasal bleeding has the endoscopic view provided. What is the investigation of choice?

Which sinus drainage is impaired in the following image?

A female patient's pure tone audiometry (PTA) findings show the presence of a Carhart's notch. Which of the following specific clinical signs can be seen in this patient?

A female patient presents with mild conductive hearing loss (CHL) and tinnitus. Based on the pure tone audiometry (PTA) shown in the image, what is the most likely diagnosis?

NEET-PG 2024 - ENT NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: A singer presents with difficulty singing at a high pitch. On examination, bowing of the vocal cord is observed on the right side. Which of the following muscles has likely been compromised?

A. Posterior cricoarytenoid
B. Lateral cricoarytenoid
C. Cricothyroid (Correct Answer)
D. Thyroarytenoid

Explanation: ***Cricothyroid*** - The **cricothyroid muscle** is primarily responsible for **tensioning and elongating the vocal cords**, which is crucial for increasing vocal pitch. - Damage to this muscle or its innervation (superior laryngeal nerve) results in an inability to reach higher pitches and can cause **vocal cord bowing** due to reduced tension. *Posterior cricoarytenoid* - This muscle is the **primary abductor** of the vocal cords, meaning it opens the vocal cords for breathing. - Compromise would lead to difficulty breathing or a paralyzed vocal cord in the adducted position, not bowing with difficulty singing high notes. *Lateral cricoarytenoid* - The **lateral cricoarytenoid muscle** is a **vocal cord adductor** and rotator, bringing the vocal cords together to regulate voice intensity. - Dysfunction typically results in a weak and breathy voice, or difficulty bringing the cords together, not specifically difficulty with high pitch. *Thyroarytenoid* - The **thyroarytenoid muscle** (which includes the vocalis muscle) acts to **relax and shorten the vocal cords**, lowering pitch and modulating vocal cord tension. - Dysfunction would primarily lead to difficulty with lower pitches or a hoarse voice, as it prevents proper relaxation of the vocal cords.

Question 2: In a patient with right vestibular neuronitis, what will be the finding on the head impulse test?

A. Head turned to right, corrective saccade to the left (Correct Answer)
B. Head turned to left, corrective saccade to the right
C. Head turned to right, no corrective saccade
D. Head turned to left, no corrective saccade

Explanation: ***Head turned to right, corrective saccade to the left*** - In **right vestibular neuronitis**, the right vestibular apparatus is impaired, affecting the **vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR)** on that side. - During the head impulse test, when the head is rapidly turned **to the right** (toward the affected side), the impaired VOR cannot maintain eye fixation on the target. - The eyes initially move **with the head** (to the right), then a visible **corrective saccade** (catch-up saccade) brings them **back to the left** to refixate on the target. - This corrective saccade is the **hallmark positive finding** in head impulse test for right vestibular dysfunction. *Head turned to left, corrective saccade to the right* - This would indicate a **left vestibular lesion**, not right vestibular neuronitis. - When turning the head to the left with left vestibular dysfunction, a corrective saccade to the right would be observed. *Head turned to right, no corrective saccade* - This would indicate **normal VOR function** on the right side. - A normal response shows no corrective saccade because the eyes maintain fixation throughout the head turn. - This is the **opposite** of what is expected in right vestibular neuronitis. *Head turned to left, no corrective saccade* - This indicates normal VOR function on the left side. - In right vestibular neuronitis, turning the head to the left (away from the affected side) typically shows **normal VOR** with no corrective saccade needed.

Question 3: A patient presents with conductive hearing loss, pulsatile tinnitus, and a positive Phelps sign. Based on the CT scan image provided, what is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Glomus Jugulare (Correct Answer)
B. Glomus Tympanicum
C. Acoustic Neuroma
D. Cholesteatoma

Explanation: ***Glomus Jugulare*** - The symptoms of **conductive hearing loss**, **pulsatile tinnitus**, and a **positive Phelps sign** (destruction of the bone separating the carotid artery from the jugular bulb on CT) are classic for a glomus jugulare tumor. - The CT scan image, showing a destructive lesion in the **jugular foramen** region, further supports this diagnosis, as these tumors originate from the paraganglia of the jugular bulb. *Glomus Tympanicum* - While it can cause conductive hearing loss and pulsatile tinnitus, a glomus tympanicum tumor is typically **confined to the middle ear cavity** and does not involve bone erosion of the jugular foramen as indicated by a positive Phelps sign. - The CT findings would show a mass in the middle ear, often behind an intact tympanic membrane, rather than extensive bone destruction in the jugular region. *Acoustic Neuroma* - This tumor, also known as a **vestibular schwannoma**, primarily causes **sensorineural hearing loss**, **tinnitus** (often non-pulsatile), and **balance issues**, not conductive hearing loss or pulsatile tinnitus. - An acoustic neuroma is located in the **cerebellopontine angle** and internal auditory canal, and the CT scan would show a mass in this specific location, not necessarily bone erosion of the jugular foramen. *Cholesteatoma* - A cholesteatoma is a **destructive, expanding growth of keratinizing squamous epithelium** in the middle ear or mastoid, typically presenting with **conductive hearing loss**, **otorrhea**, and sometimes headaches. - It does not typically cause pulsatile tinnitus unless it's very large and vascularized, nor does it present with the characteristic destruction of the jugular foramen seen with a positive Phelps sign.

Question 4: A patient with chronic nasal obstruction underwent a procedure 3 months ago and now presents with recurrent epistaxis, crusting, and the clinical image showing a septal perforation. What procedure was most likely carried out?

A. FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery)
B. Caldwell-Luc's procedure
C. Submucosal resection (SMR) (Correct Answer)
D. Turbinate reduction surgery

Explanation: ***Submucosal resection (SMR)*** - **SMR** involves removing cartilage or bone from the nasal septum while preserving the septal mucosa. If both mucosal flaps are inadvertently damaged or devitalized during the procedure, it can lead to a **septal perforation** as a complication. - The symptoms of **recurrent epistaxis** and **crusting** are classic signs associated with compromised septal integrity and airflow changes due to a septal perforation, which commonly occurs weeks to months after such a procedure. *FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery)* - **FESS** is primarily used to treat chronic sinusitis by opening and ventilating the sinuses; it does not directly involve the nasal septum in a way that typically causes perforation. - While complications are possible, a septal perforation is not a common or direct consequence of FESS, which focuses on ethmoid, maxillary, frontal, or sphenoid sinus drainage pathways. *Caldwell-Luc's procedure* - The **Caldwell-Luc procedure** involves an incision above the canine fossa to access the maxillary sinus. - It is specifically aimed at the maxillary sinus and does not involve surgical manipulation of the nasal septum that would lead to a septal perforation. *Turbinate reduction surgery* - **Turbinate reduction** procedures target the inferior turbinates to improve nasal airflow by reducing their size. - These procedures do not involve the nasal septum itself, so a septal perforation would not be a direct or common complication.

Question 5: A 14-year-old child with a history of recurrent nasal bleeding has the endoscopic view provided. What is the investigation of choice?

A. Biopsy
B. X-ray
C. FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery)
D. CECT (Contrast-Enhanced CT) (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***CECT (Contrast-Enhanced CT)*** - Given the history of recurrent nasal bleeding in an adolescent male suggestive of a **juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA)**, CECT is the investigation of choice to delineate the tumor's extent, vascularity, and involvement of surrounding structures. - CECT provides crucial information for surgical planning and assessing intracranial extension due to the highly vascular nature of JNAs. *Biopsy* - Biopsy of a suspected angiofibroma is generally **contraindicated** due to the high risk of severe and uncontrolled hemorrhage because the tumor is highly vascular and lacks a true capsule. - The diagnosis of JNA is usually made based on clinical presentation and imaging findings. *X-ray* - **X-rays** (like plain radiographs of the sinuses) offer limited soft tissue detail and are **insufficient** to accurately visualize the extent or vascularity of a nasopharyngeal mass. - They may show some bony erosion but cannot provide the detailed information needed for diagnosis or surgical planning of a JNA. *FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery)* - **FESS** is a **surgical procedure** used for treating chronic sinusitis and other sinonasal conditions, not primarily an investigative tool for a suspected tumor like JNA. - While endoscopy is used for initial visualization, **surgery** is a treatment, and detailed imaging must precede it to understand tumor boundaries.

Question 6: Which sinus drainage is impaired in the following image?

A. Ethmoid
B. Sphenoid
C. Frontal
D. Maxillary (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Maxillary*** - The image shows **arrows pointing to the maxillary sinuses** with visible **opacification and fluid accumulation**, indicating **impaired drainage**. - Maxillary sinuses drain through the **ostiomeatal complex** into the middle meatus; obstruction leads to mucus retention and sinusitis. *Ethmoid* - The **ethmoid air cells** located between the eyes, medial to the orbits, do not show significant **opacification** or drainage impairment. - These complex honeycomb-like structures appear **relatively clear** without evidence of fluid accumulation. *Sphenoid* - The **sphenoid sinuses** located deeper in the skull, behind the ethmoid sinuses, are **not prominently affected** in this image. - No significant **opacification** or mucosal thickening visible to suggest impaired drainage. *Frontal* - The **frontal sinuses** located above the eyebrows appear **relatively clear** without significant opacification or drainage impairment. - These sinuses drain through the **frontonasal duct** and do not show evidence of fluid retention in this image.

Question 7: A female patient's pure tone audiometry (PTA) findings show the presence of a Carhart's notch. Which of the following specific clinical signs can be seen in this patient?

A. Schwartz sign (Correct Answer)
B. Hitselberger sign
C. Hennebert sign
D. Rinne test negative (conductive hearing loss)

Explanation: ***Schwartz sign*** - A **Carhart's notch** (bone conduction dip at 2000 Hz) is a characteristic finding in **otosclerosis**, a condition where the stapes bone becomes fixed. - The **Schwartz sign** (reddish/pinkish hue behind the tympanic membrane) indicates **active otosclerosis** with increased vascularity in the promontory. - This is a **specific clinical sign** directly associated with otosclerosis and would be the expected finding on otoscopy. *Hitselberger sign* - The **Hitselberger sign** refers to **hypesthesia** (numbness or decreased sensation) in the **posterior external auditory canal wall**. - It is associated with **acoustic neuromas** (vestibular schwannomas) due to compression of the facial nerve, not otosclerosis. *Hennebert sign* - The **Hennebert sign** involves **nystagmus or vertigo** induced by changes in external ear canal pressure (fistula test). - It is typically seen in conditions causing a **perilymphatic fistula**, such as **Meniere's disease** or **syphilitic labyrinthitis**, not otosclerosis. *Rinne test negative (conductive hearing loss)* - While otosclerosis does cause **conductive hearing loss** with a negative Rinne test (bone conduction > air conduction), this is a **general audiometric finding**, not a specific clinical sign. - A negative Rinne test can occur in **any cause of conductive hearing loss** (chronic otitis media, ossicular discontinuity, cholesteatoma, etc.). - The question asks for a **specific clinical sign**, making the **Schwartz sign** the most appropriate answer as it specifically indicates otosclerosis.

Question 8: A female patient presents with mild conductive hearing loss (CHL) and tinnitus. Based on the pure tone audiometry (PTA) shown in the image, what is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Ménière's disease
B. Otosclerosis (Correct Answer)
C. Ototoxicity
D. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Explanation: ***Otosclerosis*** - The audiogram shows a **conductive hearing loss** with a notable **Carhart notch** (bone conduction dip at 2000 Hz), which is characteristic of otosclerosis. - The patient's symptoms of **mild CHL** and **tinnitus** are consistent with the presentation of otosclerosis, a condition involving abnormal bone growth in the middle ear. *Ménière's disease* - This condition primarily causes **sensorineural hearing loss**, often fluctuating and affecting low frequencies initially, along with **vertigo, tinnitus, and aural fullness**. - The audiogram indicates **conductive hearing loss**, not sensorineural, and **vertigo** is not mentioned as a primary symptom. *Ototoxicity* - Ototoxicity typically results in **sensorineural hearing loss**, often bilateral and affecting high frequencies first. - The audiogram demonstrates **conductive hearing loss**, and there is no information about exposure to ototoxic medications. *Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)* - NIHL is characterized by **sensorineural hearing loss**, typically with a **notch at 3000-6000 Hz** (most commonly 4000 Hz notch) on the audiogram. - The audiogram reflects **conductive hearing loss**, and the specific pattern does not match that of NIHL.