Cornea: Sjogren syndrome: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Cornea: Sjogren syndrome

Sample item

A 50-year-old woman has dry eyes, dry mouth and a low Schirmer value. What is the underlying lacrimal gland pathology?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Lymphocytic infiltration of lacrimal and salivary glands

Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune exocrinopathy with lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of the lacrimal and salivary glands. Anti-Ro (SSA) and anti-La (SSB) antibodies are commonly positive. Treatment includes artificial tears, punctal plugs and cyclosporine.

Option by option

  • A. Granulomatous caseation

    Caseation points to tuberculosis.

  • B. Neutrophilic abscess formation

    Neutrophilic abscess formation is not the pathology.

  • C. Fibrosis from trauma

    Trauma is not involved.

  • D. Lymphocytic infiltration of lacrimal and salivary glands (correct)

    Correct. Lymphocytic infiltration is the hallmark.

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 Ophthalmology questions

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is D, Lymphocytic infiltration of lacrimal and salivary glands. Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune exocrinopathy with lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of the lacrimal and salivary glands.

Why is "Granulomatous caseation" not the answer?

Caseation points to tuberculosis.

Why is "Neutrophilic abscess formation" not the answer?

Neutrophilic abscess formation is not the pathology.

Why is "Fibrosis from trauma" not the answer?

Trauma is not involved.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cornea: Sjogren syndrome in Ophthalmology. Anti-Ro (SSA) and anti-La (SSB) antibodies are commonly positive. Treatment includes artificial tears, punctal plugs and cyclosporine.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Cornea: Sjogren syndrome?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.