Neuro-ophthalmology: optic nerve glioma: 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 · Neuro-ophthalmology: optic nerve glioma

Sample item

A child with café-au-lait macules and axillary freckling has unilateral painless proptosis and optic nerve enlargement. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Optic nerve glioma with neurofibromatosis type 1

Pilocytic astrocytoma of the optic pathway occurs in about 15 percent of children with NF1. Imaging shows a fusiform enlargement of the nerve, and many cases are observed.

Option by option

  • A. Optic neuritis

    Optic neuritis is painful and does not cause proptosis.

  • B. Orbital cellulitis

    Orbital cellulitis presents with fever and inflammation.

  • C. Retinoblastoma

    Retinoblastoma is an intraocular tumour.

  • D. Optic nerve glioma with neurofibromatosis type 1 (correct)

    Correct. NF1 predisposes to optic pathway glioma.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is D, Optic nerve glioma with neurofibromatosis type 1. Pilocytic astrocytoma of the optic pathway occurs in about 15 percent of children with NF1.

Why is "Optic neuritis" not the answer?

Optic neuritis is painful and does not cause proptosis.

Why is "Orbital cellulitis" not the answer?

Orbital cellulitis presents with fever and inflammation.

Why is "Retinoblastoma" not the answer?

Retinoblastoma is an intraocular tumour.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuro-ophthalmology: optic nerve glioma in Ophthalmology. Imaging shows a fusiform enlargement of the nerve, and many cases are observed.

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 Neuro-ophthalmology: optic nerve glioma?

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.