Pupil: Horner syndrome: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Pupil: Horner syndrome

Sample item

Which combination of findings defines Horner syndrome?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Ptosis, miosis and anhidrosis

Interruption of the oculosympathetic pathway causes mild ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis and apparent enophthalmos. Pancoast tumour, carotid dissection and brainstem stroke are causes.

Option by option

  • A. Ptosis, mydriasis and proptosis

    Mydriasis and proptosis are not features.

  • B. Miosis and exophthalmos

    Horner has apparent enophthalmos, not exophthalmos.

  • C. Mydriasis, diplopia and ptosis

    Mydriasis with ptosis suggests a third nerve palsy.

  • D. Ptosis, miosis and anhidrosis (correct)

    Correct. This is the classic triad.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is D, Ptosis, miosis and anhidrosis. Interruption of the oculosympathetic pathway causes mild ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis and apparent enophthalmos.

Why is "Ptosis, mydriasis and proptosis" not the answer?

Mydriasis and proptosis are not features.

Why is "Miosis and exophthalmos" not the answer?

Horner has apparent enophthalmos, not exophthalmos.

Why is "Mydriasis, diplopia and ptosis" not the answer?

Mydriasis with ptosis suggests a third nerve palsy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pupil: Horner syndrome in Ophthalmology. Pancoast tumour, carotid dissection and brainstem stroke are causes.

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 Pupil: Horner syndrome?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.