Embryology: diethylstilbestrol exposure: practice question

A Anatomy 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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Anatomy · Embryology: diethylstilbestrol exposure

Sample item

A 19-year-old woman has clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina. Her mother received a synthetic oestrogen during pregnancy. Which uterine anomaly is typical in such women?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. T-shaped uterine cavity

In-utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol disturbs Mullerian duct development and causes a T-shaped, hypoplastic uterine cavity, cervical and vaginal anomalies, and vaginal adenosis. It also raises the risk of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina and cervix.

Option by option

  • A. Uterus didelphys

    Uterus didelphys results from complete failure of fusion of the Mullerian ducts.

  • B. Septate uterus

    A septate uterus is caused by failure of resorption of the midline septum after fusion.

  • C. Bicornuate uterus

    A bicornuate uterus results from partial failure of fusion of the Mullerian ducts.

  • D. T-shaped uterine cavity (correct)

    Correct. A T-shaped cavity is the characteristic uterine anomaly.

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.

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Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is D, T-shaped uterine cavity. In-utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol disturbs Mullerian duct development and causes a T-shaped, hypoplastic uterine cavity, cervical and vaginal anomalies, and vaginal adenosis.

Why is "Uterus didelphys" not the answer?

Uterus didelphys results from complete failure of fusion of the Mullerian ducts.

Why is "Septate uterus" not the answer?

A septate uterus is caused by failure of resorption of the midline septum after fusion.

Why is "Bicornuate uterus" not the answer?

A bicornuate uterus results from partial failure of fusion of the Mullerian ducts.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Embryology: diethylstilbestrol exposure in Anatomy. It also raises the risk of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina and cervix.

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 Embryology: diethylstilbestrol exposure?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy 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.