Larynx: relapsing polychondritis: 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.

Try it

ENT · Larynx: relapsing polychondritis

Sample item

A 45-year-old has recurrent painful red swelling of both pinnae sparing the lobules, saddle nose deformity, scleritis and a progressively hoarse voice with inspiratory stridor. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Relapsing polychondritis

Relapsing polychondritis is an immune-mediated inflammation of cartilage that affects ear, nose, laryngotracheal tree and joints, and the lobule is spared because it lacks cartilage. Airway collapse is the most dangerous complication. Treatment is with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.

Option by option

  • A. Relapsing polychondritis (correct)

    Correct. Sparing of the lobule with nasal, ocular and airway involvement is typical.

  • B. Perichondritis from trauma only

    Trauma does not explain multisystem cartilage disease.

  • C. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis

    Granulomatosis with polyangiitis often has the lobule involved less specifically and has renal and pulmonary signs and ANCA positivity.

  • D. Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis

    Chondrodermatitis is a painful nodule on the helix, not a systemic disease.

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 A, Relapsing polychondritis. Relapsing polychondritis is an immune-mediated inflammation of cartilage that affects ear, nose, laryngotracheal tree and joints, and the lobule is spared because it lacks cartilage.

Why is "Perichondritis from trauma only" not the answer?

Trauma does not explain multisystem cartilage disease.

Why is "Granulomatosis with polyangiitis" not the answer?

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis often has the lobule involved less specifically and has renal and pulmonary signs and ANCA positivity.

Why is "Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis" not the answer?

Chondrodermatitis is a painful nodule on the helix, not a systemic disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx: relapsing polychondritis in ENT. Airway collapse is the most dangerous complication. Treatment is with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.

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: relapsing polychondritis?

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.