Hutchinson’s Triad
Hutchinson’s Triad, commonly associated with congenital syphilis:
✅ Hutchinson’s Triad Components
- 🦷 Hutchinson’s Teeth
- Notched, peg-shaped permanent incisors.
- 👁️ Interstitial Keratitis
- Inflammation of the cornea causing visual impairment and sensitivity to light (photophobia).
- 👂 Sensorineural Deafness
- Hearing loss due to inner ear damage.
Hutchinson’s Triad – MCQs
1. Hutchinson’s triad is classically associated with which disease?
Hutchinson’s triad is a classic sign of late congenital syphilis.
2. Which of the following is NOT part of Hutchinson’s triad?
Hutchinson’s triad includes interstitial keratitis, Hutchinson’s teeth, and sensorineural deafness, not congenital heart defect.
3. Hutchinson’s teeth are characterized by:
Hutchinson’s teeth are notched, peg-shaped permanent incisors, a hallmark of congenital syphilis.
4. Interstitial keratitis in Hutchinson’s triad primarily affects which part of the eye?
Interstitial keratitis involves inflammation of the cornea, causing visual impairment and photophobia.
5. The deafness in Hutchinson’s triad is due to:
Sensorineural deafness occurs in Hutchinson’s triad due to damage to the cochlear nerve.
6. Hutchinson’s triad is most commonly diagnosed at which stage of congenital syphilis?
Hutchinson’s triad appears in late congenital syphilis, typically manifesting in early childhood or later.
7. Which organism causes the condition associated with Hutchinson’s triad?
Treponema pallidum is the bacterium responsible for syphilis, including congenital forms.
8. Which of the following is an early sign of congenital syphilis (before Hutchinson’s triad appears)?
Snuffles (persistent nasal discharge) is an early sign of congenital syphilis before the triad develops.
9. The best preventive measure for Hutchinson’s triad is:
Early screening and treatment of maternal syphilis during pregnancy prevent congenital syphilis and Hutchinson’s triad.
10. Hutchinson’s teeth primarily affect which teeth?
Hutchinson’s teeth are peg-shaped, notched permanent incisors.
11. Sensorineural hearing loss in Hutchinson’s triad results from damage to the:
Sensorineural hearing loss is due to cochlear nerve or inner ear structure damage.
12. Interstitial keratitis in Hutchinson’s triad can lead to:
Inflammation of the cornea in interstitial keratitis causes scarring and potential vision loss.
13. The primary mode of transmission of the disease associated with Hutchinson’s triad is:
Hutchinson’s triad is a late manifestation of congenital syphilis, transmitted vertically during pregnancy.
14. The teeth abnormality in Hutchinson’s triad is most visible during which stage?
Hutchinson’s teeth become noticeable when permanent incisors erupt between ages 6 and 12 years.
15. Which of the following best describes interstitial keratitis in Hutchinson’s triad?
Interstitial keratitis is characterized by stromal inflammation without primary epithelial or endothelial involvement.
16. The most important factor in preventing Hutchinson’s triad is:
Prenatal screening and treatment of syphilis is the most effective way to prevent congenital syphilis and Hutchinson’s triad.
17. Hutchinson’s triad appears in approximately what percentage of congenital syphilis cases?
Hutchinson’s triad occurs in about 5-10% of congenital syphilis cases.
18. Late congenital syphilis is diagnosed at which age?
Late congenital syphilis is diagnosed after 2 years of age, when features such as Hutchinson’s triad become evident.
19. What is the treatment of choice for congenital syphilis associated with Hutchinson’s triad?
Penicillin G is the treatment of choice for congenital syphilis, regardless of the disease stage.
20. Hutchinson’s triad is named after which physician?
Jonathan Hutchinson first described the triad in congenital syphilis.
