Diseases of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses Practice Questions

Q: What is the characteristic feature of ethmoidal polyps?

Typically recurrent. ***Typically recurrent*** - Ethmoidal polyps, especially those associated with **chronic rhinosinusitis** with nasal polyps, have a high tendency to **recur** even after surgical removal. - This recurrence is due to the underlying inflammatory process in the ethmoid sinuses and represents their most characteristic clinical feature. - Recurrence rates can reach **20-30%** even after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). *Usually multiple* - While ethmoidal polyps are often **multiple**, this is a common descriptive feature rather than their most characteristic pathological tendency. - Their multiplicity contributes to nasal obstruction and other symptoms but does not distinguish them as uniquely as their recurrence rate. *Can occur in children* - Though less common than in adults, **ethmoidal polyps can occur in children**, particularly in association with conditions like cystic fibrosis or primary ciliary dyskinesia. - However, nasal polyps in children are **rare** and should prompt investigation for underlying systemic conditions. *Can be associated with infections* - While chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps can be complicated by **bacterial infections**, the polyps themselves are primarily an inflammatory response, not directly caused by infections in most cases of ethmoidal polyps. - Their primary association is with chronic inflammation and not solely with acute or chronic infections.

Q: All are seen in Samters triad except?

Bacterial infection. ***Bacterial infection*** - **Samter's triad**, also known as aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), consists of **asthma**, **nasal polyps**, and **aspirin sensitivity** (or NSAID sensitivity) [1]. - **Bacterial infection** is not a component of Samter's triad, although patients with nasal polyps may be more prone to secondary bacterial sinusitis. *Asthma* - **Asthma** is one of the three main components of Samter's triad, typically becoming more symptomatic after aspirin ingestion [1]. - Patients experience **bronchoconstriction** and worsening respiratory symptoms. *Nasal polyp* - **Nasal polyps** are a characteristic feature of Samter's triad, often extensive and recurrent [1]. - They contribute to nasal obstruction and chronic rhinosinusitis. *Aspirin sensitivity* - **Aspirin sensitivity** (or NSAID sensitivity) is the third key component, where ingestion of aspirin or other NSAIDs triggers severe respiratory reactions [1]. - This sensitivity is due to an abnormal arachidonic acid metabolism pathway involving **leukotrienes**.

Q: Mucoperichondrial flap in septoplasty is made on?

Septal cartilage. ***Septal cartilage*** - A mucoperichondrial flap is meticulously raised on the **septal cartilage** during septoplasty to access and correct deviations of the nasal septum. - This flap preserves the **perichondrium** and overlying mucosa, which is crucial for nutrient supply and healing of the septal cartilage. *Alar cartilage* - The alar cartilage forms the **lower lateral aspect** of the nose and is not involved in creating a mucoperichondrial flap for septal correction. - Procedures involving alar cartilage typically address **nasal tip projection** or alar rim deformities. *Maxillary spine* - The maxillary spine is a **bony prominence** at the anterior nasal floor and forms part of the underlying support for the septum. - While it can sometimes be a site of septal deviation, a mucoperichondrial flap is not primarily raised over the maxillary spine itself. *Sphenoid spine* - The sphenoid spine is a **bony projection** found on the sphenoid bone, located deep within the cranial base, posterior to the nasal cavity. - It is anatomically distant from the nasal septum and has no role in septoplasty or mucoperichondrial flap creation for septal surgical access.

Q: What imaging study is typically required before endoscopic sinus surgery?

CT of PNS. ***CT of PNS*** - A **CT scan of the paranasal sinuses** is crucial prior to endoscopic sinus surgery for detailed anatomical mapping. - It helps identify **key anatomical landmarks**, variations, and the extent of disease, minimizing surgical risks. *MRI of paranasal sinus* - **MRI** is generally reserved for evaluating **soft tissue abnormalities**, such as tumors, fungal infections, or intracranial extension. - It provides less detail regarding **bony anatomy** and is not the primary imaging modality for surgical planning in routine cases. *Mucociliary clearing testing* - **Mucociliary clearing tests** assess the function of the **mucociliary escalator** in the nasal cavity and sinuses. - These tests are primarily diagnostic for conditions like **primary ciliary dyskinesia** and do not provide anatomical detail for surgical guidance. *Acoustic tests* - **Acoustic tests** are typically used to assess **hearing function** in the ear. - They have **no relevance** to the anatomical evaluation of the paranasal sinuses or planning for endoscopic sinus surgery.

Q: In which condition is mulberry nasal mucosa typically observed?

Lupus vulgaris. ***Lupus vulgaris*** - **Mulberry nasal mucosa** is a **pathognomonic finding** in **lupus vulgaris**, a form of cutaneous tuberculosis affecting the nasal mucosa. - The mucosa shows characteristic **reddish-brown, soft nodules** that resemble mulberries, with a typical **apple-jelly appearance on diascopy**. - Lesions are **persistent, slowly progressive**, and may cause destruction of the nasal cartilage if untreated. *Vasomotor rhinitis* - **Vasomotor rhinitis** (non-allergic rhinitis) presents with **pale, bluish, or boggy nasal mucosa**, not the mulberry appearance. - Caused by **autonomic nervous system dysregulation**, leading to nasal congestion and rhinorrhea triggered by non-allergic stimuli. - The mucosal changes are **diffusely edematous** rather than nodular. *Atrophic rhinitis* - **Atrophic rhinitis** involves progressive atrophy of the nasal mucosa and underlying bone. - Mucosa appears **pale, dry, smooth, and shiny** with thick crusts (ozena in secondary form). - Wide nasal cavities with paradoxical nasal obstruction, **not mulberry-like nodular changes**. *Allergic rhinitis* - **Allergic rhinitis** typically shows **pale, edematous, bluish-gray mucosa** with watery discharge. - Caused by **IgE-mediated hypersensitivity** to environmental allergens. - Mucosa may appear **boggy but not nodular or mulberry-like**.

Q: All are major symptoms of sinusitis except?

Halitosis. ***Halitosis*** - While **halitosis** (bad breath) can be a symptom associated with sinusitis due to post-nasal drip and bacterial overgrowth, it is generally considered a **minor symptom** or a secondary effect rather than one of the primary, defining features. - Major symptoms focus on those directly caused by inflammation and obstruction of the sinuses. *Nasal blockage* - **Nasal blockage** or congestion is a cardinal symptom of sinusitis, resulting from inflammation and swelling of the nasal and sinus mucosa. - It often leads to difficulty breathing through the nose and contributes to a feeling of fullness. *Facial congestion* - **Facial congestion** or pressure is a key symptom of sinusitis, caused by the buildup of fluid and inflammation within the sinus cavities. - This symptom can manifest as pain or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. *Anosmia* - **Anosmia**, or the loss of smell, is a significant symptom of sinusitis, particularly chronic sinusitis. - It occurs due to the inflammation and obstruction of the nasal passages, preventing odorants from reaching the olfactory receptors.

Q: Which of the following statements about Rhinoscleroma is false?

More common in tropical regions. ***More common in tropical regions*** - While rhinoscleroma is endemic in certain regions, it is more commonly found in **temperate and subtropical climates**, particularly in Eastern Europe, Central and South America, and parts of Africa and Asia, rather than exclusively tropical areas. - The prevalence is linked to socioeconomic factors and poor hygiene rather than strictly temperature-based climate zones. *Mikulicz cells* - The presence of **Mikulicz cells** is a characteristic histopathological feature of rhinoscleroma. - These are large macrophages with a clear, foamy cytoplasm containing numerous bacilli, which are pathognomonic for the disease. *Woody nose* - **Woody nose** (or "saddle nose" deformity in late stages) is a clinical feature associated with the advanced stages of rhinoscleroma. - The disease causes chronic inflammation and granuloma formation, leading to firm, indurated infiltrates that can result in this characteristic nasal deformity. *Caused by bacteria* - Rhinoscleroma is indeed caused by the bacterium **_Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis_**, a gram-negative rod. - It is an infectious disease primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract.

Q: Most common sinus to be involved in acute sinusitis?

Maxillary. ***Maxillary*** - The **maxillary sinuses** are the largest paranasal sinuses and are the most commonly involved in acute sinusitis due to their anatomical position and drainage characteristics. - Their ostia (drainage openings) are located on the superior aspect of the sinus, which can make drainage difficult when the patient is upright, leading to stasis of secretions and increased susceptibility to infection. *Ethmoid* - The ethmoid sinuses are a group of small air cells located between the eyes and are the second most commonly infected in sinusitis. - While frequently involved, especially in children, they are not as commonly affected as the maxillary sinuses in the general adult population with acute sinusitis. *Sphenoid* - The sphenoid sinuses are located deep within the skull, behind the eyes, and are the least commonly involved in acute sinusitis. - Inflammation here can be serious due to proximity to important structures like the optic nerves and carotid arteries, but it's not the most frequent site of infection. *Frontal* - The frontal sinuses are located in the forehead and are less commonly involved in acute sinusitis compared to the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. - Their development is not complete until adolescence, and they are typically drained via the frontonasal duct, which can become easily obstructed.

Q: Which of the following is a predisposing factor for nasal myiasis?

Atrophic rhinitis. ***Atrophic rhinitis*** - **Atrophic rhinitis** leads to thinning and drying of the nasal mucosa, creating a favorable environment for **fly larvae (maggots)** to infest. - The **crusting and foul odor** associated with atrophic rhinitis can attract flies, making the nasal cavity susceptible to myiasis. *Allergic rhinitis* - Characterized by **inflammation and watery discharge** due to allergen exposure. It does not create the tissue damage or conducive environment for myiasis. - While it causes nasal symptoms, it generally **does not involve tissue necrosis** or open lesions that would attract flies for oviposition. *Vasomotor rhinitis* - Involves **non-allergic triggers** causing nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose, often due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. - There is **no tissue destruction or mucosal atrophy** that would predispose to myiasis. *Rhinitis medicamentosa* - Results from **overuse of topical decongestant sprays**, leading to rebound congestion and chronic inflammation. - While it causes nasal irritation, it does **not typically involve the extensive mucosal damage or open wounds** that attract flies for myiasis.

Q: In which condition do symptoms improve with crying?

Choanal atresia. ***Choanal atresia*** - In **bilateral choanal atresia**, a newborn is unable to breathe through the nose due to a bony or membranous obstruction. Symptoms like **cyanosis** worsen with feeding and improve with crying because crying involves **mouth breathing**, which bypasses the nasal obstruction. - This condition is a **medical emergency** as newborns are obligate nasal breathers, and immediate intervention (e.g., oral airway, surgical repair) is often required. *Tetralogy of Fallot* - This congenital heart defect can lead to **cyanotic spells** (hypercyanotic or "tet" spells), which are characterized by increased cyanosis, tachypnea, and irritability. These spells are often precipitated by activities that increase right-to-left shunting, and **crying can worsen them** rather than improve them due to increased systemic oxygen demand and vascular resistance. - Management often involves positioning (knee-chest) and medications to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance or increase systemic vascular resistance, to alleviate shunting. *Bronchial asthma* - **Crying is a common trigger for asthma attacks** in children, as it can induce bronchoconstriction due to hyperventilation and airway irritation. Symptoms typically worsen with crying, leading to **wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath**. - Asthma is characterized by **reversible airway obstruction** and airway hyperresponsiveness, and its symptoms do not improve with crying. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **choanal atresia** is a condition where symptoms (specifically cyanosis) do improve with crying due to the switch from nasal to mouth breathing.

Question 1

What is the characteristic feature of ethmoidal polyps?

Accepted Answer

Typically recurrent

Answer

Usually multiple

Answer

Can occur in children

Answer

Can be associated with infections

Question 2

All are seen in Samters triad except?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial infection

Answer

Nasal polyp

Answer

Aspirin sensitivity

Answer

Asthma

Question 3

Mucoperichondrial flap in septoplasty is made on?

Accepted Answer

Septal cartilage

Answer

Alar cartilage

Answer

Maxillary spine

Answer

Sphenoid spine

Question 4

What imaging study is typically required before endoscopic sinus surgery?

Accepted Answer

CT of PNS

Answer

MRI of paranasal sinus

Answer

Acoustic tests

Answer

Mucociliary clearing testing

Question 5

In which condition is mulberry nasal mucosa typically observed?

Accepted Answer

Lupus vulgaris

Answer

Vasomotor rhinitis

Answer

Atrophic rhinitis

Answer

Allergic rhinitis

Question 6

All are major symptoms of sinusitis except?

Accepted Answer

Halitosis

Answer

Nasal blockage

Answer

Facial congestion

Answer

Anosmia

Question 7

Which of the following statements about Rhinoscleroma is false?

Accepted Answer

More common in tropical regions

Answer

Woody nose

Answer

Mikulicz cells

Answer

Caused by bacteria

Question 8

Most common sinus to be involved in acute sinusitis?

Accepted Answer

Maxillary

Answer

Ethmoid

Answer

Sphenoid

Answer

Frontal

Question 9

Which of the following is a predisposing factor for nasal myiasis?

Accepted Answer

Atrophic rhinitis

Answer

Allergic rhinitis

Answer

Vasomotor rhinitis

Answer

Rhinitis medicamentosa

Question 10

In which condition do symptoms improve with crying?

Accepted Answer

Choanal atresia

Answer

Tetralogy of Fallot

Answer

Bronchial asthma

Answer

None of the options

Diseases of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses — MCQs

Diseases of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses — MCQs

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