Head and neck imaging: orbital cellulitis: practice question

A Radiology 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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Radiology · Head and neck imaging: orbital cellulitis

Sample item

A 6-year-old has a swollen red eyelid, proptosis, painful eye movements and fever. Which imaging should be done to look for a subperiosteal abscess?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Contrast-enhanced CT of the orbits and sinuses

Orbital cellulitis behind the septum may produce a subperiosteal abscess, usually from ethmoid sinusitis, which needs surgical drainage. Contrast CT shows the abscess, sinus disease and intracranial extension. MRI is used if intracranial complications are suspected.

Option by option

  • A. Isotope bone scan

    A bone scan is not used for acute orbital infection.

  • B. Contrast-enhanced CT of the orbits and sinuses (correct)

    Correct. Contrast CT detects abscess and sinus disease.

  • C. Carotid Doppler

    Carotid Doppler is not relevant.

  • D. Plain skull film

    A plain film cannot show orbital soft tissue.

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 Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, Contrast-enhanced CT of the orbits and sinuses. Orbital cellulitis behind the septum may produce a subperiosteal abscess, usually from ethmoid sinusitis, which needs surgical drainage.

Why is "Isotope bone scan" not the answer?

A bone scan is not used for acute orbital infection.

Why is "Carotid Doppler" not the answer?

Carotid Doppler is not relevant.

Why is "Plain skull film" not the answer?

A plain film cannot show orbital soft tissue.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck imaging: orbital cellulitis in Radiology. Contrast CT shows the abscess, sinus disease and intracranial extension. MRI is used if intracranial complications are suspected.

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 Head and neck imaging: orbital cellulitis?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology 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.