Deviated Nasal Septum — MCQs
Kiesselbach's area does not involve _______.
All of the following are causes of perforation of the cartilaginous part of the nasal septum except?
Which of the following is not typically performed during septoplasty?
All of the following are features of a nasal foreign body except:
A 14-year-old child with a history of recurrent nasal bleeding has the endoscopic view provided. What is the investigation of choice?
Killion's incision is used for?
Which of the following is NOT typically associated with acute bacterial sinusitis?
Saddle nose deformity is seen in?
Which of the following is NOT a feature of a nasal foreign body?
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?
Deviated Nasal Septum Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Kiesselbach's area does not involve _______.
- A. Anterior ethmoidal artery
- B. Posterior ethmoidal artery (Correct Answer)
- C. Sphenopalatine artery
- D. Greater palatine artery
Explanation: ***Posterior ethmoidal artery*** - The **posterior ethmoidal artery** typically supplies the posterior and superior aspects of the nasal septum and sinuses, but it does not directly contribute to the vascular network in **Kiesselbach's area**. - Its high-arising origin from the ophthalmic artery and posterior distribution anatomically excludes it from the anterior septal region. *Anterior ethmoidal artery* - The **anterior ethmoidal artery** is a major artery contributing to **Kiesselbach's plexus**, supplying the anterosuperior part of the nasal septum. - It anastomoses with branches from the sphenopalatine and labial arteries in this region. *Sphenopalatine artery* - The **sphenopalatine artery** is a terminal branch of the maxillary artery and its septal branch significantly contributes to the posteroinferior part of **Kiesselbach's plexus**. - It forms anastomoses with the anterior ethmoidal and greater palatine arteries in this vascular hotspot. *Greater palatine artery* - The **greater palatine artery**, a branch of the descending palatine artery, contributes to **Kiesselbach's plexus** by supplying the anteroinferior aspect of the nasal septum. - Its septal branch ascends to anastomose with other arterial branches in the region, forming part of this highly vascularized area.
Question 2: All of the following are causes of perforation of the cartilaginous part of the nasal septum except?
- A. Tuberculosis
- B. Leprosy
- C. Trauma
- D. Syphilis (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Syphilis*** - **Syphilis** typically causes perforation of the **bony part** of the nasal septum, particularly the vomer and perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, due to chronic granulomatous inflammation. - The cartilaginous septum is generally less affected by syphilis in terms of perforation, although early mucosal involvement can occur. *Trauma* - **Trauma** (e.g., nose picking, septal surgery, foreign body insertion) is a common cause of **perforation of the cartilaginous nasal septum**. - Such injuries can lead to localized necrosis and subsequent perforation due to disruption of the blood supply to the septal cartilage. *Tuberculosis* - **Tuberculosis** can cause **granulomatous inflammation** and necrosis, leading to perforation of the **cartilaginous nasal septum**. - This is part of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and can present with chronic nasal obstruction and discharge. *Leprosy* - **Leprosy** (Hansen's disease) is known to cause severe destruction of nasal structures due to chronic inflammation, including perforation of the **cartilaginous nasal septum**. - The specific bacteria cause granulomatous lesions that erode the cartilage over time.
Question 3: Which of the following is not typically performed during septoplasty?
- A. Surgical removal of nasal polyps (Correct Answer)
- B. Throat pack
- C. Nasal packing at the end of surgery
- D. Submucosal resection of deviated cartilage
Explanation: ***Surgical removal of nasal polyps*** - Septoplasty is a surgical procedure specifically designed to correct a **deviated nasal septum** by repositioning or removing obstructing cartilage and bone. - **Nasal polyps** arise from the mucosa of the nasal cavity or sinuses and require a separate procedure, typically **functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)** or polypectomy. - While septoplasty and polypectomy may sometimes be performed together, polyp removal is **not part of standard septoplasty**. *Submucosal resection of deviated cartilage* - This is the **core component of septoplasty** - removing or repositioning deviated septal cartilage while preserving the mucosal lining. - The submucosal approach maintains structural support while correcting the deviation. *Throat pack* - A **throat pack** is routinely placed during septoplasty to **prevent aspiration of blood and secretions** into the pharynx and esophagus. - It protects the airway and is removed at the end of the procedure. *Nasal packing at the end of surgery* - **Nasal packing** (splints or packs) is commonly placed after septoplasty to **control bleeding, support the septum, and prevent hematoma formation**. - Modern techniques may use absorbable or non-absorbable packing materials.
Question 4: All of the following are features of a nasal foreign body except:
- A. Epistaxis
- B. Nasal obstruction
- C. Nasal polyps (Correct Answer)
- D. Foul smelling discharge
Explanation: ***Nasal polyps*** - While chronic inflammation can lead to nasal polyps, they are **not a direct or acute feature** of a nasal foreign body. - Nasal foreign bodies typically present with more immediate and obstructive symptoms rather than polyp formation. *Epistaxis* - A nasal foreign body can **irritate and traumatize the delicate nasal mucosa**, leading to bleeding. - This is a common symptom, especially if the foreign body is sharp or has been in place for some time. *Nasal obstruction* - The presence of any object in the nasal cavity will inevitably cause some degree of **physical blockage of airflow**. - This is one of the most common presenting symptoms, particularly in children. *Foul smelling discharge* - If a foreign body remains in the nasal cavity for an extended period, it can lead to **stasis of secretions and secondary bacterial infection**. - This infection often results in a **purulent, unilateral, and foul-smelling discharge**.
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: Killion's incision is used for?
- A. SMR
- B. Modified radical mastoidectomy
- C. Proetz puncture
- D. Septoplasty (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Septoplasty*** - Killion's incision is a **hemitransfixion incision** performed on one side of the caudal nasal septum for **septoplasty**. - This incision allows for elevation of the **mucoperichondrial flap** and access to the septal cartilage for straightening. *SMR* - **Submucous resection (SMR)** typically utilizes a **transfixion incision** or a **hemitransfixion incision** at the caudal end of the septum, but the term "Killion's incision" specifically refers to one type of hemitransfixion used in septoplasty. - SMR often involves more aggressive removal of cartilage and bone compared to modern septoplasty techniques, although both aim to correct septal deviation. *Proetz puncture* - **Proetz puncture** refers to a procedure that involves puncturing the maxillary sinus through the inferior meatus for irrigation and drainage, and it is unrelated to septal surgery. - It is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for **sinusitis**, with no external incision on the septum. *Modified radical mastoidectomy* - A **modified radical mastoidectomy** is a surgical procedure for chronic ear disease, involving an incision behind the ear (**post-aural incision**) or within the ear canal (**endaural incision**), which is completely unrelated to nasal septal surgery. - This procedure aims to create a **safe and dry ear** by exteriorizing the mastoid air cells and reducing the size of the middle ear space.
Question 7: Which of the following is NOT typically associated with acute bacterial sinusitis?
- A. Purulent nasal discharge
- B. Epistaxis (Correct Answer)
- C. Facial pain
- D. Fever
Explanation: ***Epistaxis*** - While possible due to **mucosal inflammation** or irritation from forceful blowing, **epistaxis (nosebleeds)** is not considered a typical or primary symptom of acute bacterial sinusitis. - The main symptoms revolve around pressure, discharge, and systemic signs of infection. *Purulent nasal discharge* - This is a hallmark symptom of acute bacterial sinusitis, indicating the presence of **bacterial infection** and inflammation in the sinuses. - The discharge is often thick, colored (yellow, green), and can be accompanied by a **foul odor**. *Facial pain* - **Facial pain** or pressure, especially around the cheeks, forehead, or eyes, is a characteristic symptom stemming from inflammation and fluid accumulation within the **sinus cavities**. - This pain often worsens when bending forward. *Fever* - **Fever** is a systemic sign of infection and is commonly present in acute bacterial sinusitis, especially in more severe cases. - It indicates the body's immune response to the bacterial invasion.
Question 8: Saddle nose deformity is seen in?
- A. Primary Syphilis
- B. Secondary Syphilis
- C. Tertiary Syphilis (Correct Answer)
- D. Lupus Vulgaris
Explanation: ***Tertiary Syphilis*** - **Saddle nose deformity** is a characteristic late manifestation of **tertiary syphilis** due to destructive lesions (gummas) affecting the nasal cartilage and bone [1], [2]. - It results from the **collapse of the nasal bridge**, leading to a flattened appearance [2]. *Primary Syphilis* - Characterized by a **chancre**, a painless ulcer, usually at the site of infection [1]. - This stage does not involve destructive lesions of the nose. *Secondary Syphilis* - Presents with a **widespread rash**, lymphadenopathy, and mucous patches [1]. - While systemic, it typically does not cause structural damage like saddle nose deformity. *Lupus Vulgaris* - This is a **cutaneous form of tuberculosis**, characterized by chronic, destructive skin lesions. - While it can cause facial disfigurement, saddle nose deformity is not a typical feature of lupus vulgaris.
Question 9: Which of the following is NOT a feature of a nasal foreign body?
- A. Deviated septum (Correct Answer)
- B. Epistaxis
- C. Nasal obstruction
- D. Vestibulitis
Explanation: ***Deviated septum*** - A **deviated septum** is an anatomical variation of the nasal septum which causes **nasal obstruction** but is not a symptom or complication resulting from a **nasal foreign body**. - It is a structural abnormality that is usually congenital or due to trauma, unrelated to the presence of an object. *Vestibulitis* - **Nasal vestibulitis** can develop as a secondary infection or inflammation around a foreign body due to irritation or bacterial growth. - The constant presence and irritation from the foreign object in the nasal cavity can lead to inflammation and infection of the nasal vestibule. *Epistaxis* - **Epistaxis** (nosebleed) is a common symptom of a nasal foreign body, especially if the object is sharp, causes trauma, or leads to significant irritation of the nasal mucosa. - The foreign body can directly traumatize the blood vessels in the nasal lining, leading to bleeding. *Nasal obstruction* - A **nasal foreign body** will physically block the nasal passage, leading to symptoms of **nasal obstruction**, often unilateral, depending on the size and location of the object. - This is one of the most direct and immediate symptoms caused by the presence of an object within the nasal cavity.
Question 10: 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.
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