Papulosquamous disorders: histology of pustular psoriasis: 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 · Papulosquamous disorders: histology of pustular psoriasis

Sample item

A biopsy from a pustule in generalised pustular psoriasis shows neutrophils collected within a network in the upper stratum spinosum rather than in the stratum corneum. What is this finding called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Spongiform pustule of Kogoj

In pustular psoriasis, neutrophils accumulate in the upper stratum spinosum in a spongy network of keratinocytes, forming the spongiform pustule of Kogoj. Munro microabscesses are neutrophil collections in the parakeratotic stratum corneum in plaque psoriasis.

Option by option

  • A. Munro microabscess

    Munro microabscesses lie in the parakeratotic horny layer and not in the spinous layer.

  • B. Spongiform pustule of Kogoj (correct)

    Correct. Neutrophils in the upper spinous layer form the spongiform pustule of Kogoj.

  • C. Pautrier microabscess

    Pautrier microabscesses are collections of atypical lymphocytes in mycosis fungoides.

  • D. Civatte body

    Civatte bodies are necrotic keratinocytes at the dermo-epidermal junction in lichen planus.

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 B, Spongiform pustule of Kogoj. In pustular psoriasis, neutrophils accumulate in the upper stratum spinosum in a spongy network of keratinocytes, forming the spongiform pustule of Kogoj.

Why is "Munro microabscess" not the answer?

Munro microabscesses lie in the parakeratotic horny layer and not in the spinous layer.

Why is "Pautrier microabscess" not the answer?

Pautrier microabscesses are collections of atypical lymphocytes in mycosis fungoides.

Why is "Civatte body" not the answer?

Civatte bodies are necrotic keratinocytes at the dermo-epidermal junction in lichen planus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: histology of pustular psoriasis in Dermatology. Munro microabscesses are neutrophil collections in the parakeratotic stratum corneum in plaque psoriasis.

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 Papulosquamous disorders: histology of pustular psoriasis?

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.