Acne: polycystic ovary syndrome: practice question

A Dermatology 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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Dermatology · Acne: polycystic ovary syndrome

Sample item

A 22-year-old woman has persistent jawline acne, hirsutism and oligomenorrhoea. Which condition should be investigated?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Polycystic ovary syndrome with androgen profile and pelvic ultrasound

Persistent adult acne with hirsutism and menstrual irregularity suggests hyperandrogenism, most often polycystic ovary syndrome. Evaluation includes androgen levels, pelvic ultrasound and metabolic screening. Treatment can include combined oral contraceptives or anti-androgens.

Option by option

  • A. Addison disease

    Addison disease causes pigmentation and hypotension.

  • B. Hypoparathyroidism

    Hypoparathyroidism does not cause this picture.

  • C. Polycystic ovary syndrome with androgen profile and pelvic ultrasound (correct)

    Correct. PCOS is the likely cause and should be investigated.

  • D. Cushing disease only without other tests

    Cushing disease is less common and needs a broader work-up.

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 Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Polycystic ovary syndrome with androgen profile and pelvic ultrasound. Persistent adult acne with hirsutism and menstrual irregularity suggests hyperandrogenism, most often polycystic ovary syndrome.

Why is "Addison disease" not the answer?

Addison disease causes pigmentation and hypotension.

Why is "Hypoparathyroidism" not the answer?

Hypoparathyroidism does not cause this picture.

Why is "Cushing disease only without other tests" not the answer?

Cushing disease is less common and needs a broader work-up.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Acne: polycystic ovary syndrome in Dermatology. Evaluation includes androgen levels, pelvic ultrasound and metabolic screening. Treatment can include combined oral contraceptives or anti-androgens.

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 Acne: polycystic ovary syndrome?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology 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.