Lens and cataract: persistent fetal vasculature: 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 · Lens and cataract: persistent fetal vasculature

Sample item

A 2-month-old has unilateral leukocoria. The eye is smaller than the other, the anterior chamber is shallow, elongated ciliary processes are drawn toward a retrolental white mass, and imaging shows no calcification. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Persistent fetal vasculature

Persistent fetal vasculature (PHPV) is typically unilateral, with microphthalmos, a retrolental fibrovascular plaque and stretched ciliary processes. Retinoblastoma usually shows calcification and a normal or large globe. Coats and toxocariasis show exudation or a granuloma.

Option by option

  • A. Coats disease

    Coats disease gives telangiectatic vessels and yellow exudate with a normal globe.

  • B. Persistent fetal vasculature (correct)

    Correct. Microphthalmos with a retrolental mass and stretched ciliary processes fits PFV.

  • C. Retinoblastoma

    Retinoblastoma shows intraocular calcification and a normal-sized globe.

  • D. Ocular toxocariasis

    Toxocariasis causes a granuloma or traction in an older child with inflammation.

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 B, Persistent fetal vasculature. Persistent fetal vasculature (PHPV) is typically unilateral, with microphthalmos, a retrolental fibrovascular plaque and stretched ciliary processes.

Why is "Coats disease" not the answer?

Coats disease gives telangiectatic vessels and yellow exudate with a normal globe.

Why is "Retinoblastoma" not the answer?

Retinoblastoma shows intraocular calcification and a normal-sized globe.

Why is "Ocular toxocariasis" not the answer?

Toxocariasis causes a granuloma or traction in an older child with inflammation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lens and cataract: persistent fetal vasculature in Ophthalmology. Retinoblastoma usually shows calcification and a normal or large globe. Coats and toxocariasis show exudation or a granuloma.

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 Lens and cataract: persistent fetal vasculature?

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.