Vascular disorders: acrocyanosis: 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 · Vascular disorders: acrocyanosis

Sample item

A thin young woman has persistent, painless, symmetrical bluish discolouration of the hands that is worse in the cold and does not cause ulceration. What is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Acrocyanosis

Acrocyanosis is a benign persistent bluish discolouration of the hands and feet, worsened by cold and without episodic pallor or ulcers. It differs from Raynaud phenomenon, which is episodic with triphasic colour change. Reassurance and warm clothing are enough.

Option by option

  • A. Chilblains

    Chilblains are tender inflammatory lesions after cold exposure.

  • B. Acrocyanosis (correct)

    Correct. Persistent painless bluish hands indicate acrocyanosis.

  • C. Livedo reticularis

    Livedo reticularis is a net-like pattern.

  • D. Raynaud phenomenon

    Raynaud shows episodic pallor, cyanosis and rubor.

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 Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Acrocyanosis. Acrocyanosis is a benign persistent bluish discolouration of the hands and feet, worsened by cold and without episodic pallor or ulcers.

Why is "Chilblains" not the answer?

Chilblains are tender inflammatory lesions after cold exposure.

Why is "Livedo reticularis" not the answer?

Livedo reticularis is a net-like pattern.

Why is "Raynaud phenomenon" not the answer?

Raynaud shows episodic pallor, cyanosis and rubor.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vascular disorders: acrocyanosis in Dermatology. It differs from Raynaud phenomenon, which is episodic with triphasic colour change. Reassurance and warm clothing are enough.

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 Vascular disorders: acrocyanosis?

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.