Orbit: thyroid eye disease muscles: 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 · Orbit: thyroid eye disease muscles

Sample item

On CT of thyroid eye disease, which muscle is most commonly enlarged, and what is the tendon feature?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Inferior rectus with sparing of the tendons

The inferior rectus is most commonly involved, followed by the medial rectus, and the muscle bellies enlarge with sparing of the tendons. Restrictive myopathy limits elevation.

Option by option

  • A. Medial rectus with sparing of the muscle belly

    The medial rectus muscle belly enlarges.

  • B. Superior oblique with tendon involvement

    The superior oblique is rarely affected.

  • C. Lateral rectus with tendon involvement

    The lateral rectus is least commonly involved.

  • D. Inferior rectus with sparing of the tendons (correct)

    Correct. The inferior rectus is usually first and tendons are spared.

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, Inferior rectus with sparing of the tendons. The inferior rectus is most commonly involved, followed by the medial rectus, and the muscle bellies enlarge with sparing of the tendons.

Why is "Medial rectus with sparing of the muscle belly" not the answer?

The medial rectus muscle belly enlarges.

Why is "Superior oblique with tendon involvement" not the answer?

The superior oblique is rarely affected.

Why is "Lateral rectus with tendon involvement" not the answer?

The lateral rectus is least commonly involved.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orbit: thyroid eye disease muscles in Ophthalmology. Restrictive myopathy limits elevation.

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 Orbit: thyroid eye disease muscles?

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.