Diseases of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses — MCQs

A 26-year-old man has had difficulty breathing through his nose for 3 years, with progressive worsening over the past 2 months. Physical examination reveals glistening, translucent, polypoid masses filling the nasal cavities. Histologic examination of excised masses shows respiratory mucosa overlying an edematous stroma with scattered plasma cells and eosinophils. Which of the following laboratory findings is most likely to be present in this patient?

Q46Medium

In antral lavage, the approach is through which wall?

Q47Medium

Which of the following techniques can be used only in an edentulous maxilla to treat oro-antral fistula?

Q48Medium

All the following are complications of sphenoid sinus surgery except?

Q49Medium

Posterior epistaxis is commonly seen in which of the following conditions?

Q50Easy

What is the most common site of epistaxis (nosebleed) in a child?

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

Question 41: Woodruff's plexus is located at which anatomical site?

A. Anteroinferior part of the superior turbinate
B. Middle turbinate
C. Posterior part of the inferior turbinate (Correct Answer)
D. Anterior part of the inferior turbinate

Explanation: ### Explanation **Woodruff’s Plexus** is a venous plexus located in the posterior part of the nasal cavity. Specifically, it lies on the lateral wall, **posterior to the posterior end of the inferior turbinate**, in the sphenopalatine area. It is the most common site for **posterior epistaxis**. #### Why the Correct Answer is Right: * **Option C:** Woodruff’s plexus is situated in the area of the sphenopalatine foramen, just behind the inferior turbinate. It is primarily composed of large, thin-walled veins (though some arterial branches from the sphenopalatine artery contribute). Bleeding from this site is difficult to control and often requires posterior nasal packing or endoscopic cauterization. #### Why the Other Options are Wrong: * **Option A & B:** The superior and middle turbinates are not associated with major vascular plexuses. While the sphenopalatine artery supplies these areas, the specific "plexus" nomenclature is reserved for Woodruff’s (posterior) and Kiesselbach’s (anterior). * **Option D:** The anterior part of the nasal septum (not the turbinate) is the site of **Little’s Area (Kiesselbach’s Plexus)**. This is the most common site for anterior epistaxis in children and young adults. #### Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG: * **Vessels involved:** Woodruff’s plexus is formed by branches of the **sphenopalatine artery**, **ascending pharyngeal artery**, and the **posterior nasal veins**. * **Demographics:** Posterior epistaxis from Woodruff’s plexus is more common in **elderly patients** and is often associated with **hypertension** or atherosclerosis. * **Management:** Unlike anterior bleeds, Woodruff’s plexus bleeding often drains into the pharynx, leading to hematemesis or choking sensations. It typically requires **Foley’s catheter tamponade** or **sphenopalatine artery ligation (SPAL)** if packing fails.

Question 42: What is the most common site of sinusitis in children?

A. Inferior meatus
B. Middle meatus (Correct Answer)
C. Superior meatus
D. Spheno-ethmoidal recess

Explanation: **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Middle meatus**. **1. Why Middle Meatus is Correct:** The middle meatus is the functional "hub" of the paranasal sinuses. It contains the **Osteomeatal Complex (OMC)**, which serves as the common drainage pathway for the **frontal, maxillary, and anterior ethmoid sinuses**. In children (and adults), sinusitis most commonly occurs due to the obstruction of these narrow drainage channels. When the OMC is blocked by mucosal edema (often due to viral URIs or allergies), it leads to stasis of secretions and subsequent bacterial infection in the associated sinuses. **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Inferior meatus:** This is the drainage site for the **nasolacrimal duct**. While relevant for epiphora or dacryocystitis, it does not involve sinus drainage. * **Superior meatus:** This site drains only the **posterior ethmoid sinuses**. These are less frequently involved in primary sinusitis compared to the anterior group. * **Spheno-ethmoidal recess:** This is the drainage site for the **sphenoid sinus**. The sphenoid sinus is often the last to develop (pneumatize) in children and is rarely the primary site of infection. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Developmental Anatomy:** At birth, only the **ethmoid** and **maxillary** sinuses are present. The frontal sinus is the last to develop (usually visible on X-ray by age 6-7). * **Most Common Sinus Involved:** In children, the **ethmoid sinus** is the most common sinus to be infected, followed by the maxillary sinus. * **Complications:** Because the ethmoid air cells are separated from the orbit by the thin *lamina papyracea*, orbital cellulitis is a frequent and serious complication of pediatric sinusitis. * **First-line Treatment:** Amoxicillin-Clavulanate is typically the drug of choice for acute bacterial sinusitis.

Question 43: Bony septal perforation is characteristic of which disease?

A. Tuberculosis
B. Syphilis (Correct Answer)
C. Leprosy
D. Sarcoidosis

Explanation: **Explanation:** The key to answering this question lies in distinguishing which part of the nasal septum is involved—the **cartilaginous** part (anterior) or the **bony** part (posterior). **1. Why Syphilis is Correct:** Syphilis, particularly in its tertiary stage, is notorious for involving the **bony portion** of the nasal septum (the vomer and the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid). The characteristic lesion is a **gumma**, which leads to endarteritis and subsequent necrosis of the bone. This often results in a large perforation and the classic clinical sign: the **Saddle Nose Deformity** (due to the collapse of the bony bridge). **2. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Tuberculosis (Lupus Vulgaris):** Typically involves the **cartilaginous** part of the septum. It presents as an indolent ulceration that slowly destroys the anterior septum but spares the bone. * **Leprosy:** Primarily affects the **cartilaginous** septum and the anterior nasal spine. It leads to atrophy of the nasal mucosa and destruction of the septal cartilage, resulting in a "heeled-in" appearance or collapse of the nasal tip. * **Sarcoidosis:** While it can cause nasal crusting and granulomas, septal perforation is rare. When it occurs, it usually involves the **cartilaginous** portion. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Bony Perforation:** Think **Syphilis**. * **Cartilaginous Perforation:** Think **Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Trauma (Surgery), or Cocaine abuse**. * **Wegener’s Granulomatosis:** Can involve **both** bone and cartilage and is a common differential for midline destructive lesions. * **Saddle Nose Deformity:** In Syphilis, it is due to **bony** destruction; in Leprosy/Trauma, it is due to **cartilaginous** destruction.

Question 44: What are the common organisms causing sinusitis?

A. Pseudomonas
B. Moraxella catarrhalis (Correct Answer)
C. Streptococcus pneumoniae
D. Haemophilus influenzae

Explanation: **Explanation:** Acute Rhinosinusitis (ARS) is most commonly viral in origin. However, when a secondary bacterial infection occurs, the causative organisms are typically the same as those responsible for Acute Otitis Media. **1. Why Moraxella catarrhalis is the correct answer (in the context of this question):** While *Streptococcus pneumoniae* and *Haemophilus influenzae* are the most frequent causes of bacterial sinusitis, **Moraxella catarrhalis** is the third most common pathogen. In the context of "common organisms," it is a classic high-yield answer. Note: In pediatric populations, *M. catarrhalis* is isolated more frequently than in adults. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Streptococcus pneumoniae (C) & Haemophilus influenzae (D):** These are actually the **most common** and second most common causes, respectively. In many MCQ formats, if the question asks for "common organisms" and multiple correct pathogens are listed, the examiner may be testing your knowledge of the "trio" (*S. pneumo, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis*). If this were a "Single Best Answer" for the *most* common, *S. pneumoniae* would be the choice. * **Pseudomonas (A):** This is an uncommon cause of community-acquired acute sinusitis. It is typically associated with **nosocomial (hospital-acquired) sinusitis**, cystic fibrosis, or immunocompromised states. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **The "Big Three":** Always remember the trio for Sinusitis/Otitis Media: *S. pneumoniae* > *H. influenzae* > *M. catarrhalis*. * **Chronic Sinusitis:** The microbiology shifts toward *Staphylococcus aureus*, Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, and anaerobes. * **Fungal Sinusitis:** In diabetic ketoacidosis patients, look for *Mucor* (Rhino-cerebral mucormycosis). * **Drug of Choice:** Amoxicillin-Clavulanate is the first-line empirical treatment for bacterial sinusitis.

Question 45: A 26-year-old man has had difficulty breathing through his nose for 3 years, with progressive worsening over the past 2 months. Physical examination reveals glistening, translucent, polypoid masses filling the nasal cavities. Histologic examination of excised masses shows respiratory mucosa overlying an edematous stroma with scattered plasma cells and eosinophils. Which of the following laboratory findings is most likely to be present in this patient?

A. Elevated serum hemoglobin A1c level
B. Increased serum IgE level (Correct Answer)
C. Nuclear staining for Epstein-Barr virus antigens
D. Positive ANA test result

Explanation: ### Explanation The clinical presentation of bilateral, glistening, translucent masses in the nasal cavity is characteristic of **Ethmoidal Nasal Polyps**. These are non-neoplastic inflammatory outgrowths of the sinonasal mucosa. **1. Why Option B is Correct:** Ethmoidal polyps are strongly associated with **Type I hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions**, chronic inflammation, and asthma. The histological description—edematous stroma with **eosinophils and plasma cells**—is a classic hallmark of allergic polyps. In such patients, an **increased serum IgE level** and peripheral blood eosinophilia are common laboratory findings, reflecting the underlying allergic diathesis. **2. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option A (HbA1c):** Elevated HbA1c indicates Diabetes Mellitus. While diabetics are prone to fungal sinusitis (like Mucormycosis), diabetes is not a primary risk factor for simple nasal polyposis. * **Option C (EBV):** Nuclear staining for EBV is associated with **Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma**, which typically presents as a solid mass in the fossa of Rosenmüller, often with neck nodes, rather than translucent nasal polyps. * **Option D (ANA):** A positive ANA test suggests systemic autoimmune diseases (like SLE). While Wegener’s Granulomatosis (GPA) involves the nose, it presents with crusting and granulomatous inflammation, not simple polyps, and is associated with c-ANCA, not ANA. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Sampster’s Triad:** Nasal polyps + Aspirin sensitivity + Asthma. * **Unilateral Polyp:** Always rule out **Antrochoanal polyp** (originates from the maxillary sinus) or malignancy (Inverted Papilloma). * **Kartagener’s Syndrome:** Triad of Situs inversus, Bronchiectasis, and Sinusitis (often with polyps). * **Treatment of Choice:** Medical management starts with **topical steroids**; surgical management is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).

Question 46: In antral lavage, the approach is through which wall?

A. Medial wall (Correct Answer)
B. Roof
C. Posterior wall
D. Canine fossa

Explanation: **Explanation:** **Antral lavage** (also known as Proof Puncture) is a procedure used to wash out the maxillary sinus, primarily for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic sinusitis. **1. Why the Medial Wall is Correct:** The procedure involves puncturing the **medial wall** of the maxillary sinus, specifically through the **inferior meatus**. This is the thinnest part of the medial wall. A Tilley’s antral trocar and cannula are introduced approximately 1.25 cm behind the anterior end of the inferior turbinate. The trocar is directed towards the **outer canthus of the eye** on the same side to ensure safe entry into the sinus cavity. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Roof:** The roof of the maxillary sinus forms the floor of the orbit. Puncturing here would lead to orbital injury and potential blindness. * **Posterior Wall:** This wall is thick and related to the pterygopalatine fossa, which contains the maxillary artery and nerves. Puncturing this would cause severe hemorrhage. * **Canine Fossa:** While the canine fossa (anterior wall) is used for the **Caldwell-Luc operation**, it is not the standard route for a simple antral lavage. Puncturing the anterior wall is more painful and carries a risk of damaging the infraorbital nerve. **3. Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Site of Puncture:** Inferior meatus (medial wall). * **Direction:** Towards the outer canthus of the ipsilateral eye. * **Contraindication:** Never perform antral lavage in children below 3 years (the sinus is too small) or in cases of acute sinusitis (risk of osteomyelitis). * **Complications:** The most dangerous complication is **Air Embolism** (if air is injected instead of saline). Other risks include orbital injury and cheek hematoma.

Question 47: Which of the following techniques can be used only in an edentulous maxilla to treat oro-antral fistula?

A. Rehrmann Flap
B. Ashley Flap
C. Bridge Flap (Correct Answer)
D. Burger Flap

Explanation: **Explanation:** An **Oro-antral fistula (OAF)** is an epithelialized communication between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus, most commonly occurring after the extraction of maxillary premolars or molars. **Why Bridge Flap is the Correct Answer:** The **Bridge Flap (or Palatal Bridge Flap)** is a sliding flap technique where a strip of palatal mucoperiosteum is incised parallel to the alveolar ridge. This "bridge" of tissue is then moved laterally across the alveolar ridge to cover the fistula. Because this flap must be slid across the ridge where teeth would normally be located, it can **only be performed in an edentulous maxilla**. If teeth were present, they would obstruct the lateral migration of the tissue bridge. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Rehrmann Flap (A):** This is a **buccal advancement flap**. It involves a trapezoidal incision in the buccal mucosa which is then advanced over the socket. It is the most common technique and can be used in both dentate and edentulous patients. * **Ashley Flap (B):** This is a **palatal flap** (specifically a rotational flap) based on the greater palatine artery. It is rotated to cover the defect and can be used regardless of the presence of teeth. * **Burger Flap (D):** This is another variation of a buccal flap (displaced flap) used for OAF closure, not restricted to edentulous patients. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most common site of OAF:** Maxillary 1st Molar (due to the proximity of roots to the sinus floor). * **Spontaneous closure:** Small fistulae (<2mm) usually close spontaneously; those >5mm almost always require surgical intervention. * **Prerequisite for surgery:** Before any flap surgery, the maxillary sinus must be free of infection (often requiring antibiotics or a Caldwell-Luc procedure). * **Gold Standard:** The Buccal Advancement Flap (Rehrmann) is the most frequently utilized clinical technique.

Question 48: All the following are complications of sphenoid sinus surgery except?

A. Orbital emphysema (Correct Answer)
B. Optic nerve injury
C. Abducent palsy
D. CSF leak

Explanation: **Explanation:** The sphenoid sinus is often referred to as the "most neglected sinus," but its surgical management requires precise anatomical knowledge due to its proximity to vital structures. **Why Orbital Emphysema is the Correct Answer:** Orbital emphysema occurs when air is forced into the orbital soft tissues, typically following a breach of the **lamina papyracea** (the thin medial wall of the orbit). This complication is classically associated with surgery of the **ethmoid sinus**, not the sphenoid sinus. While the sphenoid is near the orbital apex, its surgical boundaries do not typically involve the lamina papyracea. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Optic Nerve Injury:** The optic nerve runs in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus (often within the Onodi cell). Dehiscence of the bone covering the nerve is common, making it highly susceptible to injury during sphenoidotomy. * **Abducent (VI) Palsy:** The lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus is in direct contact with the **cavernous sinus**. The abducent nerve is the most medial structure within the cavernous sinus and is the cranial nerve most at risk during lateral wall instrumentation. * **CSF Leak:** The roof of the sphenoid sinus (planum sphenoidale) and the sella turcica are thin. Accidental penetration can lead to a dural tear and subsequent rhinorrhea. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most common nerve injured in Sphenoid surgery:** Optic nerve (CN II). * **Most common nerve injured in Cavernous Sinus involvement:** Abducent nerve (CN VI). * **Onodi Cell:** A posterior-most ethmoid cell that migrates over the sphenoid sinus; it closely approximates the optic nerve and carotid artery. * **Vital Lateral Relations:** Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) and Cavernous Sinus.

Question 49: Posterior epistaxis is commonly seen in which of the following conditions?

A. Children with ethmoidal polyps
B. Foreign body of the nose
C. Hypertension (Correct Answer)
D. Nose picking

Explanation: **Explanation:** Epistaxis is classified into anterior and posterior based on the site of bleeding. **Posterior epistaxis** originates from the posterior part of the nasal cavity, primarily from **Woodruff’s plexus**, located over the posterior end of the middle turbinate. **Why Hypertension is Correct:** Hypertension is the most common systemic cause of epistaxis, particularly in elderly patients. In hypertensive states, the blood vessels (especially the sphenopalatine artery and its branches) undergo degenerative changes like arteriosclerosis. These brittle vessels are unable to constrict effectively when they rupture, leading to profuse posterior bleeding that often requires packing or endoscopic cauterization. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Children with ethmoidal polyps:** Polyps typically cause nasal obstruction and watery discharge. While they can be associated with minor spotting, they are not a classic cause of posterior epistaxis. * **Foreign body of the nose:** This usually presents in children with **unilateral, foul-smelling, purulent nasal discharge**. While it can cause minor bleeding (anterior), it is rarely a cause of posterior epistaxis. * **Nose picking:** This is the most common cause of **Anterior Epistaxis** in children and young adults. It leads to trauma at **Little’s area (Kiesselbach’s plexus)** on the anterior-inferior part of the nasal septum. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Little’s Area:** Site for 90% of epistaxis; formed by the anastomosis of the Sphenopalatine, Greater palatine, Superior labial, and Anterior ethmoidal arteries. * **Woodruff’s Plexus:** The main site for posterior epistaxis; formed by the Sphenopalatine and Pharyngeal arteries. * **First-line management:** For anterior epistaxis, use **Trotter’s method** (pressure on the soft part of the nose). For refractory posterior epistaxis, **Posterior Nasal Packing** or Sphenopalatine Artery Ligation (SPAL) is indicated.

Question 50: What is the most common site of epistaxis (nosebleed) in a child?

A. Woodruff's area
B. Kiesselbach's plexus
C. Little's area (Correct Answer)
D. Nasal septum anteriorly

Explanation: **Explanation:** **Little’s area**, located in the anteroinferior part of the nasal septum, is the most common site of epistaxis in both children and young adults. This area is highly vascular because it contains **Kiesselbach’s plexus**, an arterial anastomosis where four to five arteries meet. In children, the mucosa over this area is thin and easily traumatized by digital picking (epistaxis digitorum), dry air, or foreign bodies, leading to frequent anterior bleeds. **Analysis of Options:** * **Kiesselbach’s plexus (Option B):** While this is the specific vascular network involved, the question asks for the **site** (anatomical region), which is formally known as Little’s area. In exam nomenclature, "Little's area" is the preferred anatomical term for the location. * **Woodruff’s area (Option A):** This is a venous plexus located postero-inferior to the posterior end of the inferior turbinate. It is the most common site for **posterior epistaxis**, typically seen in elderly patients with hypertension or atherosclerosis. * **Nasal septum anteriorly (Option D):** This is a vague anatomical description. Little’s area is the precise clinical term used in ENT textbooks and exams. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Arteries forming Kiesselbach’s Plexus:** Remember the mnemonic **LEGS**: **L**eft (Greater) Palatine, **E**phthenoid (Anterior), **G**reater Palatine, and **S**phenopalatine (Septal branch) + Superior Labial artery. * **First-line Management:** For bleeding from Little's area, the initial step is **Trotter’s Method** (pinching the soft part of the nose and leaning forward). * **Most common artery in Epistaxis:** Sphenopalatine artery (also known as the "Artery of Epistaxis").

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