Complications: labyrinthine fistula: practice question

A ENT 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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ENT · Complications: labyrinthine fistula

Sample item

A patient with attic cholesteatoma has vertigo on pressure on the tragus, with nystagmus. Which canal is most commonly involved?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Lateral semicircular canal

Cholesteatoma most often erodes the bony lateral semicircular canal as it lies in the aditus and antrum region. A positive fistula test with an intact membrane indicates the fistula. Surgery should avoid removing the matrix over the fistula if hearing is useful.

Option by option

  • A. Superior semicircular canal

    The superior canal is a less common site.

  • B. Posterior semicircular canal

    The posterior canal is rarely eroded.

  • C. Lateral semicircular canal (correct)

    Correct. The lateral canal is the commonest fistula site.

  • D. Cochlea

    The cochlea is rarely eroded early.

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 ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Lateral semicircular canal. Cholesteatoma most often erodes the bony lateral semicircular canal as it lies in the aditus and antrum region.

Why is "Superior semicircular canal" not the answer?

The superior canal is a less common site.

Why is "Posterior semicircular canal" not the answer?

The posterior canal is rarely eroded.

Why is "Cochlea" not the answer?

The cochlea is rarely eroded early.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Complications: labyrinthine fistula in ENT. A positive fistula test with an intact membrane indicates the fistula. Surgery should avoid removing the matrix over the fistula if hearing is useful.

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 Complications: labyrinthine fistula?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT 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.