Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

The condition known as median rhomboid glossitis is also referred to as?

1. Central papillary atrophy

2. Nodular glossitis

3. Candidal leukoplakia

4. Fungal glossitis

The correct answer is: Central papillary atrophy

Median rhomboid glossitis is clinically recognized as central papillary atrophy. This condition appears as a smooth, rhomboid-shaped area on the dorsum of the tongue, often resulting from atrophy of the filiform papillae. It typically occurs in the midline of the tongue and may be associated with an underlying fungal infection, particularly from the Candida species, although this is not universally the cause. The terminology of central papillary atrophy accurately describes the anatomical and histological characteristics of the condition. The central aspect refers to its location on the midline, while papillary atrophy points to the loss of the normal papillae structure. The other terms mentioned in the choices, such as nodular glossitis, candidal leukoplakia, and fungal glossitis, do not adequately characterize median rhomboid glossitis. They reference different conditions or presentations that differ from what is observed in median rhomboid glossitis. Thus, recognizing median rhomboid glossitis and central papillary atrophy as synonymous can aid in appropriate diagnosis and management within clinical practice.