Pseudomembranes and Preauricular lymphadenopathy are classic findings in which conjunctivitis?

• A. Gonococcal conjunctivitis
• B. Trachoma
• C. PCF
• D. EKC

Answer: (D)

Pseudomembranes form when a strong fibrinous exudate coats the conjunctiva in response to a robust inflammatory attack. In epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, an adenoviral conjunctivitis, this pronounced mucosal reaction often produces pseudomembranes on the palpebral conjunctiva, along with marked conjunctival injection and discomfort. Preauricular lymphadenopathy occurs because the infection involves the ocular surface and drainage to the regional preauricular nodes triggers a palpable lymph node response. Together, these signs—membranous conjunctival exudates and enlarged preauricular nodes—are classic for EKC and point toward an adenoviral etiology with keratoconjunctival involvement. By contrast, gonococcal conjunctivitis typically presents with hyperacute purulent discharge and lid edema, trachoma with chronic follicles and scarring, and pharyngoconjunctival fever, while also viral, less consistently shows membrane formation.