STI: neurosyphilis: 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 · STI: neurosyphilis

Sample item

A man with lightning pains, ataxia with loss of position sense and small pupils that accommodate but do not react to light has a reactive CSF-VDRL. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Tabes dorsalis (neurosyphilis)

Tabes dorsalis is a form of late neurosyphilis with dorsal column and root degeneration. Argyll Robertson pupils (accommodation present, light reflex absent) are a classic sign, and CSF shows a reactive VDRL.

Option by option

  • A. Tabes dorsalis (neurosyphilis) (correct)

    Correct. Posterior column signs with Argyll Robertson pupils suggest tabes.

  • B. Diabetic neuropathy

    Diabetic neuropathy would not cause these pupillary findings.

  • C. Subacute combined degeneration

    Subacute combined degeneration follows B12 deficiency and lacks pupillary signs.

  • D. Multiple sclerosis

    Multiple sclerosis does not typically give Argyll Robertson pupils.

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 Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is A, Tabes dorsalis (neurosyphilis). Tabes dorsalis is a form of late neurosyphilis with dorsal column and root degeneration.

Why is "Diabetic neuropathy" not the answer?

Diabetic neuropathy would not cause these pupillary findings.

Why is "Subacute combined degeneration" not the answer?

Subacute combined degeneration follows B12 deficiency and lacks pupillary signs.

Why is "Multiple sclerosis" not the answer?

Multiple sclerosis does not typically give Argyll Robertson pupils.

What concept does this question test?

It tests STI: neurosyphilis in Dermatology. Argyll Robertson pupils (accommodation present, light reflex absent) are a classic sign, and CSF shows a reactive VDRL.

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 STI: neurosyphilis?

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.