Larynx and airway: laryngeal cleft: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Larynx and airway: laryngeal cleft

Sample item

A newborn has a weak cry, choking with every feed and recurrent aspiration pneumonia. Laryngoscopy shows a defect of the posterior larynx between the arytenoids. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Laryngeal cleft

A laryngeal cleft is a failure of fusion of the posterior cricoid lamina, leaving a communication between the larynx and oesophagus that causes aspiration. Diagnosis is by microlaryngoscopy with palpation of the interarytenoid area. Repair is endoscopic or open according to the type.

Option by option

  • A. Subglottic haemangioma

    Haemangioma presents with biphasic stridor at 2 to 3 months.

  • B. Laryngomalacia

    Laryngomalacia causes inspiratory stridor without aspiration.

  • C. Vocal cord nodule

    Nodules appear in older children after vocal abuse.

  • D. Laryngeal cleft (correct)

    Correct. A posterior defect causing aspiration.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Laryngeal cleft. A laryngeal cleft is a failure of fusion of the posterior cricoid lamina, leaving a communication between the larynx and oesophagus that causes aspiration.

Why is "Subglottic haemangioma" not the answer?

Haemangioma presents with biphasic stridor at 2 to 3 months.

Why is "Laryngomalacia" not the answer?

Laryngomalacia causes inspiratory stridor without aspiration.

Why is "Vocal cord nodule" not the answer?

Nodules appear in older children after vocal abuse.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx and airway: laryngeal cleft in ENT. Diagnosis is by microlaryngoscopy with palpation of the interarytenoid area. Repair is endoscopic or open according to the type.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Larynx and airway: laryngeal cleft?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.