Retina: embolic work-up in artery occlusion: 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 · Retina: embolic work-up in artery occlusion

Sample item

A 55-year-old smoker has had a central retinal artery occlusion with a cherry red spot. Which pair of investigations best identifies an embolic source?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Carotid duplex and echocardiography

Arterial occlusion is often embolic from carotid atheroma or cardiac sources, so carotid imaging and echocardiography are needed along with vascular risk assessment. The other pairs assess neural function, the angle or demyelination, which do not find the source.

Option by option

  • A. Orbital MRI and lumbar puncture

    Orbital MRI and lumbar puncture investigate optic neuritis, not embolism.

  • B. Carotid duplex and echocardiography (correct)

    Correct. Carotid duplex and echocardiography look for the embolic source.

  • C. Visual evoked potential and electroretinogram

    Evoked potentials and ERG assess function and do not localise emboli.

  • D. Fluorescein angiography and gonioscopy

    Gonioscopy views the angle and has no bearing on 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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is B, Carotid duplex and echocardiography. Arterial occlusion is often embolic from carotid atheroma or cardiac sources, so carotid imaging and echocardiography are needed along with vascular risk assessment.

Why is "Orbital MRI and lumbar puncture" not the answer?

Orbital MRI and lumbar puncture investigate optic neuritis, not embolism.

Why is "Visual evoked potential and electroretinogram" not the answer?

Evoked potentials and ERG assess function and do not localise emboli.

Why is "Fluorescein angiography and gonioscopy" not the answer?

Gonioscopy views the angle and has no bearing on the source.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Retina: embolic work-up in artery occlusion in Ophthalmology. The other pairs assess neural function, the angle or demyelination, which do not find the source.

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 Retina: embolic work-up in artery occlusion?

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.