Diseases of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses — MCQs

Diseases of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 401: All of the following are treatments for multiple bilateral ethmoidal polyps except which of the following?

A. Intranasal ethmoidectomy
B. Extranasal ethmoidectomy
C. Caldwell Luc Surgery (Correct Answer)
D. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Explanation: ***Caldwell Luc Surgery*** - This procedure accesses the **maxillary sinus** through an incision in the gingivobuccal sulcus, primarily used for maxillary sinus pathology. - It is **not the primary treatment** for ethmoidal polyps, which are located in the ethmoid sinuses. *Intranasal ethmoidectomy* - This is a common and effective surgical approach to remove ethmoidal polyps, involving access through the **nostrils**. - It allows for direct visualization and removal of polyps within the ethmoid labyrinth. *Extranasal ethmoidectomy* - This surgical approach involves an external incision (e.g., Lynch-Howarth incision) to access the ethmoid sinuses. - It is typically reserved for **extensive or complicated ethmoid disease** or in cases where intranasal approaches are insufficient. *Functional endoscopic sinus surgery* - This is the **gold standard** for treating chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps, including ethmoidal polyps. - It uses an endoscope to visualize and remove polyps while preserving healthy mucosa and restoring normal sinus drainage and ventilation.

Question 402: Which of the following is not a complication of maxillary sinus lavage and insufflation?

A. Orbital injury
B. Epistaxis
C. Facial nerve injury (Correct Answer)
D. Air embolism

Explanation: ***Facial nerve injury*** - The **facial nerve (CN VII)** passes through the parotid gland and temporal bone, far from the maxillary sinus. - There is no anatomical proximity or procedural mechanism during maxillary sinus lavage and insufflation that would put the facial nerve at risk of injury. *Air embolism* - **Insufflation of air** into the maxillary sinus, especially under pressure, can lead to air entering the bloodstream if a blood vessel is inadvertently punctured. - This can result in a serious and potentially fatal **air embolism**, particularly if the air reaches the cerebral circulation. *Orbital injury* - The **medial wall of the maxillary sinus** is in close proximity to the orbit, separated by thin bone. - During lavage, excessive force or incorrect angulation of instruments can perforate this thin bone, leading to **orbital complications** such as periorbital hematoma or injury to orbital contents. *Epistaxis* - During the procedure, the **mucosa of the nasal cavity** or the sinus itself can be traumatized by the instruments used for lavage. - This local trauma to the rich blood supply of these areas can easily cause **nasal bleeding (epistaxis)**.

Question 403: What is the treatment of choice for ethmoidal polyps?

A. Functional Endoscopic sinus surgery with polypectomy (Correct Answer)
B. Intranasal ethmoidectomy
C. Transantral ethmoidectomy
D. Extranasal ethmoidectomy

Explanation: ***Functional Endoscopic sinus surgery with polypectomy*** - This is the **gold standard treatment** for ethmoidal polyps, as it allows for **direct visualization** and complete removal of polyps while preserving healthy mucosa. - It also enables restoration of normal sinus ventilation and drainage, which helps prevent recurrence. *Intranasal ethmoidectomy* - This is an **older technique** that is performed blindly and carries a higher risk of complications, such as **orbital or intracranial injury**, compared to endoscopic approaches. - It often results in incomplete polyp removal, leading to a higher rate of recurrence. *Transantral ethmoidectomy* - This approach, also known as the **Caldwell-Luc procedure**, is primarily used for diseases of the **maxillary sinus** and is not the preferred method for isolated ethmoidal polyps. - It is a more invasive external approach with risks including facial swelling, pain, and damage to dental nerves. *Extranasal ethmoidectomy* - This is a more invasive **external approach** involving an incision on the face and is generally reserved for extensive or complicated cases, such as **tumors or severe trauma**, not for routine polyp removal. - It carries risks of visible scarring and longer recovery times, making it less favorable than endoscopic techniques.

Question 404: In Caldwell Luc operation, the approach is through the?

A. Opening of maxillary antrum through gingivolabial approach (Correct Answer)
B. Transnasal endoscopic approach through the middle meatus
C. Through the sphenopalatine recess for maxillary sinus access
D. Accessing the maxillary sinus via superior meatus

Explanation: ***Opening of maxillary antrum through gingivolabial approach*** - The **Caldwell-Luc operation** involves creating a surgical window in the anterior wall of the **maxillary sinus** via an incision in the **gingivolabial sulcus** (also called sublabial sulcus). - This **open surgical approach** through the canine fossa provides direct access to the antrum for removal of pathology, foreign bodies, or drainage of chronic infections. - The incision is made above the canine tooth, and the anterior wall of the maxilla is fenestrated. *Transnasal endoscopic approach through the middle meatus* - This describes **functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)**, which is a minimally invasive endoscopic technique, not the traditional open Caldwell-Luc procedure. - While FESS accesses the maxillary sinus through the natural ostium or by creating a middle meatal antrostomy, it is a fundamentally different approach. - Caldwell-Luc is an **extranasal, open approach**, whereas FESS is an **intranasal, endoscopic approach**. *Through the sphenopalatine recess for maxillary sinus access* - The **sphenopalatine recess** is primarily associated with endoscopic approaches to the sphenoid sinus or procedures involving the **pterygopalatine fossa**, not the Caldwell-Luc approach. - This approach does not involve breaching the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus through the canine fossa. *Accessing the maxillary sinus via superior meatus* - The **superior meatus** is not used for accessing the maxillary sinus in any standard surgical approach. - The natural ostium of the maxillary sinus opens into the **middle meatus**, not the superior meatus. - The superior meatus drains the posterior ethmoid cells, not the maxillary sinus.

Question 405: Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of a nasal foreign body?

A. Anosmia (Correct Answer)
B. Foul smelling discharge
C. Epistaxis
D. Nasal obstruction

Explanation: ***Anosmia*** - **Anosmia**, or the loss of the sense of smell, is generally not a primary or typical symptom of a nasal foreign body unless the foreign body directly obstructs the **olfactory epithelium** or causes severe inflammatory changes leading to nerve damage. - While prolonged inflammation *could* theoretically affect smell, it is a less common and indirect manifestation compared to the more immediate mechanical or irritative symptoms. *Foul smelling discharge* - A **foul-smelling, unilateral nasal discharge** is a classic and highly indicative sign of a nasal foreign body, especially in children, due to local infection and tissue breakdown. - This symptom results from the foreign body trapping bacteria and causing a local inflammatory response within the nasal cavity. *Epistaxis* - **Epistaxis**, or nosebleed, can occur if the foreign body is sharp, abrasive, or causes significant irritation to the delicate nasal mucosa, leading to trauma and bleeding. - The constant presence and pressure of a foreign body can erode the mucosal lining, exposing blood vessels and resulting in bleeding. *Nasal obstruction* - **Nasal obstruction** is a very common and expected symptom of a nasal foreign body, as the object itself physically blocks the airflow through the affected nostril. - This blockage can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose and a feeling of fullness or congestion on the affected side.

Question 406: Mucoperichondrial flap in septoplasty is made on?

A. Alar cartilage
B. Septal cartilage (Correct Answer)
C. Maxillary spine
D. Sphenoid spine

Explanation: ***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.

Question 407: Which of the following statements about Rhinoscleroma is false?

A. Woody nose
B. Mikulicz cells
C. More common in tropical regions (Correct Answer)
D. Caused by bacteria

Explanation: ***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.

Question 408: What is the characteristic feature of ethmoidal polyps?

A. Usually multiple
B. Typically recurrent (Correct Answer)
C. Can occur in children
D. Can be associated with infections

Explanation: ***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.

Question 409: All are major symptoms of sinusitis except?

A. Nasal blockage
B. Facial congestion
C. Halitosis (Correct Answer)
D. Anosmia

Explanation: ***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.

Question 410: What is not true about the use of intranasal steroids in nasal polyposis?

A. Effective in all types of nasal polyps (Correct Answer)
B. May cause nasal irritation
C. Reduce recurrence
D. Most effective in eosinophilically predominant polyps

Explanation: ***Effective in all types of nasal polyps*** - Intranasal steroids are primarily effective in nasal polyps with an **eosinophilic inflammatory component**, which is the most common type. - They are **not effective in all types** - efficacy is significantly reduced in polyps with **neutrophilic inflammation** or those related to conditions like **cystic fibrosis**, reflecting different underlying pathologies. - This statement is **FALSE**, making it the correct answer to this negation question. *May cause nasal irritation* - **Nasal irritation**, including **burning, stinging**, or **dryness**, is a common local side effect associated with the use of intranasal steroids. - Other local side effects can include **epistaxis** (nosebleeds) and mucosal atrophy, though less common. - This statement is **TRUE**. *Reduce recurrence* - **Intranasal steroids** are crucial in **reducing the recurrence** of nasal polyps after surgical removal. - Their anti-inflammatory action helps to **control the underlying inflammation** that contributes to polyp formation. - This statement is **TRUE**. *Most effective in eosinophilically predominant polyps* - Intranasal steroids primarily target the **eosinophilic inflammatory pathway**, which is characteristic of the majority of **chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)**. - While they have **maximal efficacy** in eosinophilic polyps, they may have limited benefit in mixed inflammatory patterns. - Their efficacy is significantly reduced in polyps that are predominantly **neutrophilic** or associated with systemic conditions like **cystic fibrosis**, as these involve different inflammatory mechanisms. - This statement is **TRUE**.

Practice by Chapter

Rhinitis

Practice Questions

Acute Rhinosinusitis

Practice Questions

Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Practice Questions

Nasal Polyposis

Practice Questions

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

Practice Questions

Deviated Nasal Septum

Practice Questions

Epistaxis

Practice Questions

Nasal Trauma

Practice Questions

Choanal Atresia

Practice Questions

CSF Rhinorrhea

Practice Questions

Tumors of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses

Practice Questions

Complications of Sinusitis

Practice Questions

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