Papulosquamous disorders: psoriasis histology: 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: psoriasis histology

Sample item

A skin biopsy of a plaque shows parakeratosis, absent granular layer, regular acanthosis, thinned suprapapillary plates and collections of neutrophils in the stratum corneum. What are the neutrophil collections called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Munro microabscesses

Munro microabscesses are collections of neutrophils in the parakeratotic stratum corneum, whereas neutrophils in the spinous layer form Kogoj spongiform pustules. They support the diagnosis of psoriasis.

Option by option

  • A. Civatte bodies

    Civatte bodies are apoptotic keratinocytes in lichen planus.

  • B. Pautrier microabscesses

    Pautrier microabscesses are collections of atypical lymphocytes in mycosis fungoides.

  • C. Kogoj pustule within the stratum corneum

    Kogoj pustules lie in the upper spinous layer, not the stratum corneum.

  • D. Munro microabscesses (correct)

    Correct. Neutrophils in the stratum corneum are Munro microabscesses.

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 D, Munro microabscesses. Munro microabscesses are collections of neutrophils in the parakeratotic stratum corneum, whereas neutrophils in the spinous layer form Kogoj spongiform pustules.

Why is "Civatte bodies" not the answer?

Civatte bodies are apoptotic keratinocytes in lichen planus.

Why is "Pautrier microabscesses" not the answer?

Pautrier microabscesses are collections of atypical lymphocytes in mycosis fungoides.

Why is "Kogoj pustule within the stratum corneum" not the answer?

Kogoj pustules lie in the upper spinous layer, not the stratum corneum.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: psoriasis histology in Dermatology. They support the diagnosis of psoriasis.

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 Papulosquamous disorders: psoriasis histology?

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.