Diseases of the Larynx Practice Questions

Q: Turban epiglottis is seen in -

TB. ***TB*** - **Turban epiglottis** is a classic finding in **laryngeal tuberculosis**, characterized by a thickened, swollen, and often nodular epiglottis that resembles a turban. - This appearance results from granulomatous inflammation and edema of the laryngeal structures due to *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* infection. *Leprosy* - **Laryngeal involvement in leprosy** is rare but can cause mucosal thickening, nodules, and even stenosis. - While it can affect the larynx, the specific 'turban epiglottis' morphology is not characteristic of leprosy. *Laryngeal papilloma* - **Laryngeal papillomas** appear as wart-like growths, often cauliflower-like, on the vocal cords or other laryngeal surfaces. - They are caused by **Human Papillomavirus (HPV)** and do not typically present as a diffusely thickened or turban-shaped epiglottis. *Epiglottitis* - **Epiglottitis** presents with a rapidly swollen and cherry-red epiglottis, which can obstruct the airway. - This is an acute bacterial infection, usually by *Haemophilus influenzae type b*, and while the epiglottis is inflamed, the appearance is distinct from the chronic, nodular 'turban' described in TB.

Q: Thumb sign in lateral X-ray of the neck is seen in?

Epiglottitis. ***Epiglottitis*** - The **thumb sign** on a lateral neck X-ray is a classic finding in **acute epiglottitis**, caused by the severely swollen epiglottis. - This swelling can lead to severe **airway obstruction** due to its critical location. *Internal hemorrhage* - Internal hemorrhage in the neck might cause soft tissue swelling, but it typically does not produce the specific **"thumb sign" morphology** seen in epiglottitis. - Diagnosis relies more on **clinical signs of bleeding** and potentially imaging like CT scans to localize blood collections. *Saccular cyst* - A **saccular cyst** (or laryngocele) is a benign air-filled or fluid-filled sac - It would appear as a well-defined, often air-filled, or soft-tissue mass, not typically resembling the diffuse, inflamed "thumb" appearance of a swollen epiglottis. *Carcinoma of the epiglottis* - While a **carcinoma of the epiglottis** could cause epiglottic swelling or mass effect, it usually presents as a more irregular or focal mass rather than the uniform, bulbous swelling characteristic of the "thumb sign" in acute epiglottitis. - Carcinoma is also typically a chronic process, unlike the acute, rapidly progressing inflammation of epiglottitis.

Q: Mouse-nibbled vocal cords are seen in which condition?

Tuberculosis. ***Tuberculosis*** - **Laryngeal tuberculosis** can cause irregular, eroded, and edematous vocal cords, often described as having a **"mouse-nibbled"** appearance due to granular ulcerations [1]. - This characteristic appearance is due to the chronic inflammatory and destructive nature of **Mycobacterium tuberculosis** infection on the laryngeal mucosa [1]. *Leprosy* - **Laryngeal leprosy** can cause diffuse infiltration, nodules, and thickening of the vocal cords, but typically does not present with the specific **"mouse-nibbled"** appearance of erosions [2]. - The lesions tend to be more nodular and less ulcerative in nature compared to tuberculosis [2]. *Laryngeal papilloma* - **Laryngeal papillomas** are benign tumors that present as wart-like growths on the vocal cords, often appearing as **mulberry-like** or **cauliflower-like** lesions [1]. - They do not typically cause the irregular, eroded, or "mouse-nibbled" pattern associated with tuberculosis. *Epiglottitis* - **Epiglottitis** is an acute inflammation of the epiglottis, primarily characterized by a **cherry-red, swollen epiglottis** and surrounding structures [1]. - While it can cause airway obstruction, it does not involve the characteristic erosions or "mouse-nibbled" appearance of the vocal cords [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Head and Neck, pp. 745-746. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Infectious Diseases, pp. 385-386.

Question 1

Turban epiglottis is seen in -

Accepted Answer

TB

Answer

Epiglottitis

Answer

Laryngeal papilloma

Answer

Leprosy

Question 2

Thumb sign in lateral X-ray of the neck is seen in?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottitis

Answer

Internal hemorrhage

Answer

Saccular cyst

Answer

Carcinoma of the epiglottis

Question 3

Mouse-nibbled vocal cords are seen in which condition?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

Leprosy

Answer

Laryngeal papilloma

Answer

Epiglottitis

Question 4

What is the expected clinical presentation in a patient with complete bilateral paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerves?

Accepted Answer

Complete loss of speech but with some difficulty in breathing

Answer

Preservation of speech with no difficulty in breathing

Answer

Preservation of speech with severe stridor and dyspnea

Answer

Complete loss of speech with significant stridor and dyspnea

Diseases of the Larynx — MCQs

Diseases of the Larynx — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?