Immunopathology: sympathetic ophthalmia: practice question

A Pathology 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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Pathology · Immunopathology: sympathetic ophthalmia

Sample item

Two weeks after a penetrating injury to one eye, a man develops inflammation in the uninjured eye. Which mechanism best explains this?

AExposure of sequestered uveal antigens to the immune systemBDeposition of immune complexes from a systemic infectionCIgE-mediated reaction to topical antibiotic dropsDSpread of bacteria along the optic nerve

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Exposure of sequestered uveal antigens to the immune system

Some antigens, such as those of the uvea and testis, are normally hidden behind barriers. After trauma they are released and recognised as foreign, leading to autoimmune granulomatous uveitis in both eyes (sympathetic ophthalmia).

Option by option

A. Exposure of sequestered uveal antigens to the immune system (correct)
Correct. Breach of an immune-privileged site exposes hidden antigens and causes a bilateral autoimmune response.
B. Deposition of immune complexes from a systemic infection
Immune complex disease would involve other organs and not the contralateral eye alone.
C. IgE-mediated reaction to topical antibiotic drops
IgE reactions occur within minutes, not two weeks.
D. Spread of bacteria along the optic nerve
Bacterial spread would not explain the delay or the bilateral involvement.

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.

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is A, Exposure of sequestered uveal antigens to the immune system. Some antigens, such as those of the uvea and testis, are normally hidden behind barriers.

Why is "Deposition of immune complexes from a systemic infection" not the answer?

Immune complex disease would involve other organs and not the contralateral eye alone.

Why is "IgE-mediated reaction to topical antibiotic drops" not the answer?

IgE reactions occur within minutes, not two weeks.

Why is "Spread of bacteria along the optic nerve" not the answer?

Bacterial spread would not explain the delay or the bilateral involvement.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Immunopathology: sympathetic ophthalmia in Pathology. After trauma they are released and recognised as foreign, leading to autoimmune granulomatous uveitis in both eyes (sympathetic ophthalmia).

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 Immunopathology: sympathetic ophthalmia?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.