Neuro-ophthalmology and pupils: septo-optic dysplasia: 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.

Try it

Ophthalmology · Neuro-ophthalmology and pupils: septo-optic dysplasia

Sample item

A newborn has small optic discs with a double-ring sign, pendular nystagmus and later develops hypoglycaemia and short stature. MRI shows absent septum pellucidum. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Septo-optic dysplasia

Septo-optic dysplasia combines optic nerve hypoplasia, midline brain defects such as absent septum pellucidum, and pituitary hormone deficiency. Endocrine screening is essential because hypoglycaemia from cortisol or growth hormone deficiency can be dangerous. The double-ring sign marks the hypoplastic disc.

Option by option

  • A. Leber congenital amaurosis

    Leber congenital amaurosis has a flat ERG with normal discs and no pituitary deficiency.

  • B. Morning glory disc anomaly

    Morning glory anomaly shows a funnel-shaped disc with a central glial tuft and not small discs.

  • C. Optic nerve coloboma

    Optic nerve coloboma shows an inferior excavation and is not tied to absent septum.

  • D. Septo-optic dysplasia (correct)

    Correct. Optic nerve hypoplasia with midline brain defects and pituitary deficiency is septo-optic dysplasia.

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 Ophthalmology questions

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is D, Septo-optic dysplasia. Septo-optic dysplasia combines optic nerve hypoplasia, midline brain defects such as absent septum pellucidum, and pituitary hormone deficiency.

Why is "Leber congenital amaurosis" not the answer?

Leber congenital amaurosis has a flat ERG with normal discs and no pituitary deficiency.

Why is "Morning glory disc anomaly" not the answer?

Morning glory anomaly shows a funnel-shaped disc with a central glial tuft and not small discs.

Why is "Optic nerve coloboma" not the answer?

Optic nerve coloboma shows an inferior excavation and is not tied to absent septum.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuro-ophthalmology and pupils: septo-optic dysplasia in Ophthalmology. Endocrine screening is essential because hypoglycaemia from cortisol or growth hormone deficiency can be dangerous. The double-ring sign marks the hypoplastic disc.

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 Neuro-ophthalmology and pupils: septo-optic dysplasia?

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.