Inhalational agents: isoflurane coronary steal: practice question

A Anaesthesia 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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Anaesthesia · Inhalational agents: isoflurane coronary steal

Sample item

Isoflurane has been linked to coronary steal. What is the mechanism?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Dilation of normal coronary arterioles diverts flow from stenosed vessel territories

A potent arteriolar vasodilator can reduce perfusion pressure and divert blood from areas supplied by fixed stenoses to areas with dilatable vessels. The clinical significance is debated.

Option by option

  • A. Constriction of normal coronary arteries

    Isoflurane dilates, not constricts.

  • B. Dilation of normal coronary arterioles diverts flow from stenosed vessel territories (correct)

    Correct. Differential vasodilation steals flow.

  • C. Direct myocardial necrosis

    Myocardial necrosis is not involved.

  • D. Thrombosis of stenotic vessels

    Thrombosis is not the mechanism.

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 Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is B, Dilation of normal coronary arterioles diverts flow from stenosed vessel territories. A potent arteriolar vasodilator can reduce perfusion pressure and divert blood from areas supplied by fixed stenoses to areas with dilatable vessels.

Why is "Constriction of normal coronary arteries" not the answer?

Isoflurane dilates, not constricts.

Why is "Direct myocardial necrosis" not the answer?

Myocardial necrosis is not involved.

Why is "Thrombosis of stenotic vessels" not the answer?

Thrombosis is not the mechanism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Inhalational agents: isoflurane coronary steal in Anaesthesia. The clinical significance is debated.

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 Inhalational agents: isoflurane coronary steal?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia 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.