Diseases of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses — MCQs

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

Question 411: Which of the following is a predisposing factor for nasal myiasis?

A. Allergic rhinitis
B. Vasomotor rhinitis
C. Atrophic rhinitis (Correct Answer)
D. Rhinitis medicamentosa

Explanation: ***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.

Question 412: In which condition is mulberry nasal mucosa typically observed?

A. Lupus vulgaris (Correct Answer)
B. Vasomotor rhinitis
C. Atrophic rhinitis
D. Allergic rhinitis

Explanation: ***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**.

Question 413: Paranasal sinuses are affected by both benign and malignant neoplasms. What are the commonest benign tumors of the paranasal sinuses?

A. Angiofibroma
B. Adenocarcinoma
C. Osteomas (Correct Answer)
D. Burkitt's lymphoma

Explanation: ***Osteomas*** - **Osteomas** are the most common **benign tumors** of the paranasal sinuses, particularly the **frontal sinus** (80% of cases). - They are slow-growing, dense bone tumors and are often asymptomatic, discovered incidentally on imaging. - Other common locations include ethmoid and maxillary sinuses. *Angiofibroma* - **Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA)** is a benign but locally aggressive tumor that primarily arises in the **nasopharynx** of adolescent males. - While it can secondarily extend into the paranasal sinuses, it is **not a primary sinus tumor**. - It presents with epistaxis and nasal obstruction, and is highly vascular. *Adenocarcinoma* - **Adenocarcinoma** is a **malignant tumor** originating from glandular epithelial cells, commonly found in the paranasal sinuses. - It is a type of cancer and not a benign tumor, thus not fitting the description of the question. - Associated with wood dust exposure in some cases. *Burkitt's lymphoma* - **Burkitt's lymphoma** is a highly aggressive **B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma**, which can affect the head and neck, including the sinuses. - It is a **malignant lymphoid neoplasm**, not a benign tumor of the paranasal sinuses.

Question 414: Atrophic rhinitis is caused by:

A. Herpes virus
B. Pneumococcus
C. Staphylococcus aureus
D. Klebsiella pneumoniae (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Klebsiella pneumoniae*** - This bacterium, particularly the subspecies **_ozaenae_**, is a classic cause of **primary atrophic rhinitis**. - It leads to progressive atrophy of the nasal mucosa, turbinates, and underlying bone, resulting in a widened nasal cavity and crust formation. *Pneumococcus* - **_Streptococcus pneumoniae_** (Pneumococcus) is primarily associated with respiratory tract infections like **pneumonia**, otitis media, and sinusitis. - It is not a recognized cause of atrophic rhinitis. *Staphylococcus aureus* - **_Staphylococcus aureus_** is a common commensal of the nasal mucosa and can cause various localized infections like **furuncles** and **vestibulitis**. - While it can be found in secondary infections, it is not considered a primary etiologic agent of atrophic rhinitis. *Herpes virus* - **Herpes viruses**, such as **Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)**, cause vesicular lesions, commonly known as cold sores, or systemic viral infections. - They are not associated with the pathogenesis of atrophic rhinitis.

Question 415: Which of the following statements about juvenile angiofibroma is incorrect?

A. Surgical excision
B. Second decade
C. Benign tumor
D. Biopsy for diagnosis (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Biopsy for diagnosis*** - **Biopsy** is generally **contraindicated** in juvenile angiofibroma due to its highly vascular nature, which can lead to severe hemorrhage. - Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical presentation, imaging (CT/MRI), and often confirmed by **angiography**. *Benign tumor* - Juvenile angiofibroma is a **benign, non-encapsulated tumor** that does not metastasize. - Despite being benign, it is locally aggressive and can cause significant morbidity due to its invasive growth and tendency for recurrence. *Surgical excision* - **Surgical excision** is the primary treatment modality for juvenile angiofibroma. - Pre-operative **embolization** is often performed to reduce intraoperative bleeding and facilitate complete tumor removal. *Second decade* - Juvenile angiofibroma primarily affects **adolescent males**, typically presenting in their **second decade of life**. - This demographic specificity is a key diagnostic clue for the condition.

Question 416: A boy has developed epistaxis. What is the treatment of choice?

A. Cauterization of vessels
B. Surgical ligation
C. Digital pressure (Correct Answer)
D. Nasal packing

Explanation: ***Digital pressure*** - This is the **initial and most common first-line treatment** for acute epistaxis, especially in children, as most nosebleeds originate from Kiesselbach's plexus in the anterior septum. - Applying firm, continuous pressure to the soft part of the nose for 10-15 minutes can effectively compress the bleeding vessels and promote clot formation. *Cauterization of vessels* - This method is used when **digital pressure fails** to control the bleeding and the bleeding site can be identified, often in the anterior septum. - It involves using chemical (e.g., silver nitrate) or electrical methods to seal the bleeding vessel. *Surgical ligation* - **Surgical ligation** is reserved for severe, posterior epistaxis that is refractory to other methods like nasal packing or embolization. - It involves surgically tying off the major arteries supplying the nose (e.g., internal maxillary, external carotid) and carries greater risks. *Nasal packing* - **Nasal packing** is typically used when direct pressure has failed, and the bleeding site is not easily amenable to cauterization, or in cases of posterior epistaxis. - It involves inserting material into the nasal cavity to apply direct pressure to the bleeding vessel, but it is more invasive and uncomfortable than digital pressure.

Question 417: Osteomas are common in which of the following sinuses?

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

Explanation: ***Frontal*** - **Osteomas** are the most common benign tumors of the paranasal sinuses, with the **frontal sinus** being the most frequently affected site. - They are slow-growing, dense bone tumors and can cause symptoms like headache, facial pain, or visual disturbances if they grow large enough to obstruct sinus drainage or compress vital structures. *Ethmoid* - While osteomas can occur in the ethmoid sinuses, they are **less common** compared to the frontal sinuses. - Ethmoid osteomas may present with symptoms related to orbital involvement due to proximity. *Maxillary* - The maxillary sinuses are **infrequently affected** by osteomas. - When present, maxillary osteomas can cause facial pain, swelling, or obstruct sinus drainage leading to sinusitis. *Sphenoid* - Osteomas in the sphenoid sinus are **rare**. - Due to the critical structures surrounding the sphenoid sinus, even small osteomas in this location can potentially cause significant symptoms, such as visual changes or cranial nerve palsies.

Question 418: The etiology of anterior ethmoidal neuralgia is:

A. Superior turbinate causing nasal pain
B. Obstruction of sphenoid sinus opening
C. Middle turbinate contact with lateral nasal wall (Correct Answer)
D. Inferior turbinate causing nasal pain

Explanation: ***Middle turbinate contact with lateral nasal wall*** - This represents a **mucosal contact point** that leads to chronic irritation of the **anterior ethmoidal nerve** branches. - The middle turbinate may contact the lateral nasal wall due to anatomical variations such as **concha bullosa** (pneumatized middle turbinate), **paradoxical middle turbinate curvature**, or **septal deviation**. - The persistent pressure and inflammation in this region cause anterior ethmoidal neuralgia (Charlin's syndrome), manifesting as pain in the **forehead**, **nasal bridge**, and **medial canthal/orbital region**. *Superior turbinate causing nasal pain* - The superior turbinate is less frequently implicated in neuralgia due to its location and nerve supply, which is primarily from the **posterior ethmoidal nerve**. - While it can cause nasal symptoms, **pain syndromes** specifically linked to superior turbinate contact are rare and would not cause anterior ethmoidal neuralgia. *Obstruction of sphenoid sinus opening* - Obstruction of the sphenoid sinus opening typically causes **sphenoid sinusitis**, leading to pain in the **vertex of the head** or deep behind the eyes. - This is distinct from anterior ethmoidal neuralgia, which predominantly affects the **anterior part of the face**, medial canthus, and orbit. *Inferior turbinate causing nasal pain* - The inferior turbinate is innervated by branches from the **maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve (V2)**, specifically the **nasopalatine nerve** and **greater palatine nerve**. - While inflammation or enlargement can cause nasal obstruction and pressure, it is not directly associated with anterior ethmoidal neuralgia, which is specifically linked to the **anterior ethmoidal nerve** (branch of nasociliary nerve from V1).

Question 419: Atrophic dry nasal mucosa, extensive encrustations, and a woody hard external nose are suggestive of:

A. Paget's disease
B. Rhinoscleroma (Correct Answer)
C. Cherubism
D. Localized osteomyelitis

Explanation: ***Rhinoscleroma*** - This chronic granulomatous disease, caused by **Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis**, characteristically leads to **atrophic dry nasal mucosa**, extensive **encrustations**, and a classic **"woody hard" external nose** (Hephaestic nose) due to fibrosis. - The disease progresses through catarrhal, atrophic, and tumorous stages, with the atrophic stage being relevant to the described mucosal changes. *Paget's disease* - Characterized by abnormal bone remodeling, leading to bone pain, deformities, and fractures, primarily affecting the **skull, spine, pelvis, and long bones**. - It does not present with primary nasal mucosal dryness or encrustations. *Cherubism* - A rare genetic disorder causing painless, bilateral swelling of the jaws and cheeks, giving a **"cherubic" facial appearance**. - It involves fibrous tissue replacement of bone in the mandible and maxilla and does not affect the nasal mucosa in the way described. *Localized osteomyelitis* - Refers to a **bacterial infection of the bone**, which can affect the nasal bones, but it typically presents with pain, swelling, erythema, and purulent discharge. - While it could lead to bone destruction, it does not typically cause the triad of atrophic dry nasal mucosa, extensive encrustations, and a woody hard external nose.

Question 420: Type of voice in nasopharyngeal fibroma is:

A. Muffled voice (hot-potato voice)
B. Decreased nasal resonance (Correct Answer)
C. Irregular speech (staccato voice)
D. Increased nasal resonance

Explanation: ***Decreased nasal resonance*** - A **nasopharyngeal fibroma** is a benign tumor that obstructs the **nasopharynx**, leading to a reduction in the normal airflow and resonance through the nasal cavity. - This obstruction causes a characteristic voice quality known as **hyponasal speech** or **rhinolalia clausa**, where nasal sounds (m, n, ng) sound like oral sounds (b, d, g). *Increased nasal resonance* - This type of voice, also known as **hypernasal speech** or **rhinolalia aperta**, occurs when there is **velopharyngeal insufficiency** or a defect preventing adequate closure between the oral and nasal cavities (e.g., cleft palate). - It results in excessive airflow through the nose during speech, causing non-nasal sounds to become nasalized. *Muffled voice (hot-potato voice)* - A **muffled voice** is typically associated with conditions causing **pharyngeal obstruction** or irritation, such as **peritonsillar abscess** or **epiglottitis**. - It describes a voice that sounds as if the speaker is talking with a "hot potato" in their mouth, due to swelling and pain in the throat. *Irregular speech (staccato voice)* - **Staccato voice** refers to a speaking pattern where words or syllables are broken up with distinct pauses, common in neurological conditions like **multiple sclerosis**. - It is a form of **dysarthria** characterized by disrupted rhythm and intonation, not directly related to nasal airflow or resonance.

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

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free