Sinuses: CSF leak in FESS: 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 · Sinuses: CSF leak in FESS

Sample item

At which site is a CSF leak most likely during endoscopic sinus surgery?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Lateral lamella of the cribriform plate

The lateral lamella of the cribriform plate is a thin vertical bone, and its height (Keros classification) determines vulnerability. It is the commonest site of iatrogenic CSF leak and a site of injury to the anterior ethmoidal artery.

Option by option

  • A. Roof of the sphenoid

    The sphenoid roof is less frequently injured.

  • B. Floor of the maxillary sinus

    The maxillary floor is not related to the skull base.

  • C. Lateral lamella of the cribriform plate (correct)

    Correct. The lateral lamella is the thinnest part of the skull base.

  • D. Posterior wall of the frontal sinus

    The posterior frontal wall is rarely the source.

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 lamella of the cribriform plate. The lateral lamella of the cribriform plate is a thin vertical bone, and its height (Keros classification) determines vulnerability.

Why is "Roof of the sphenoid" not the answer?

The sphenoid roof is less frequently injured.

Why is "Floor of the maxillary sinus" not the answer?

The maxillary floor is not related to the skull base.

Why is "Posterior wall of the frontal sinus" not the answer?

The posterior frontal wall is rarely the source.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Sinuses: CSF leak in FESS in ENT. It is the commonest site of iatrogenic CSF leak and a site of injury to the anterior ethmoidal artery.

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 Sinuses: CSF leak in FESS?

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.