NEET-PG 2017 Practice Questions

Q: All of the following layers are pierced by the needle shown below except:

Ligamentum denticulatum. ***Ligamentum denticulatum*** - The **ligamentum denticulatum** is an internal structure of the spinal cord (specifically, pia mater extensions) and is not pierced during an LP, which targets the subarachnoid space. - It functions to suspend the spinal cord within the dura mater and is not in the pathway of the needle during a lumbar puncture. *Supraspinous ligament* - This ligament is the **first major ligament** encountered posterior to the spinous processes in the midline and must be pierced by the needle during a lumbar puncture. - It runs along the tips of the spinous processes. *Inter-spinous ligament* - Located between the spinous processes, this ligament is encountered **after the supraspinous ligament** and must be pierced during a lumbar puncture to reach deeper structures. - It connects adjacent spinous processes. *Ligamentum flavum* - This ligament is rich in elastic fibers and is pierced **before entering the epidural space** on the way to the subarachnoid space. - Its piercing is often felt as a distinct "pop" or "give" by the clinician performing the lumbar puncture.

Q: A 50-year-old hypertensive patient develops sudden onset drooping of right face and hemiplegia. What is the diagnosis?

MCA area hemorrhage. ***MCA area hemorrhage*** - The **hyperdense lesion** on CT scan indicates **acute hemorrhage** in the MCA territory, which correlates with the sudden onset right facial droop and hemiplegia. - **Hypertension** is the most common risk factor for primary **intracerebral hemorrhage**, and MCA territory involvement typically causes contralateral face and arm weakness. *MCA area infarction* - **Infarctions** appear as **hypodense (dark) areas** on CT scan, not hyperdense lesions as described in this case. - While MCA infarction can cause similar clinical symptoms, the imaging findings clearly show hemorrhage rather than ischemic changes. *ACA area infarction* - **ACA infarction** typically presents with **leg weakness** more prominent than face/arm weakness, as the ACA supplies the medial motor cortex for lower limbs. - The imaging shows a **hyperdense hemorrhage**, not the **hypodense appearance** characteristic of infarction. *ACA area hemorrhage* - **ACA territory hemorrhage** would affect the **frontal lobe**, causing symptoms like leg weakness, **abulia** (lack of motivation), and urinary incontinence. - The clinical presentation of **facial droop and hemiplegia** involving face and arm is more characteristic of **MCA involvement** rather than ACA territory.

Q: A patient presents with GCS of 7 with nuchal rigidity and bloody CSF. Which is incorrect regarding this condition? (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

IV ceftriaxone. **IV ceftriaxone** - The clinical presentation of **GCS of 7**, **nuchal rigidity**, and **bloody CSF** is highly suggestive of a **subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)**, not a bacterial infection like meningitis. - **Ceftriaxone** is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial meningitis, which is not indicated here as the primary issue is hemorrhage, not infection. *Blood in sylvian fissure* - **Blood in the sylvian fissure** is a common finding in **subarachnoid hemorrhage**, as this area contains major cerebral arteries susceptible to aneurysm rupture. - CT scans often show hyperdense (bright) blood within the sulci and cisterns, including the sylvian fissure. *Seizures* - **Seizures** are a relatively common complication of **subarachnoid hemorrhage**, especially in the acute phase due to blood irritating the cerebral cortex. - They can occur in up to 10-20% of SAH patients and are a significant predictor of poorer outcomes. *Intraventricular extension* - **Intraventricular extension** of blood indicates a more severe hemorrhage and is often associated with a worse prognosis in **subarachnoid hemorrhage**. - The presence of blood within the ventricles can lead to **hydrocephalus** and increased intracranial pressure.

Q: Comment on the diagnosis based on the image shown below. (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Plexiform neurofibromatosis. ***Plexiform neurofibromatosis*** - The image exhibits significant facial disfigurement with **nodular and soft tissue overgrowth**, particularly around the eye and midface, consistent with a **plexiform neurofibroma**. - This presentation is a classic feature of **Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)**, where plexiform neurofibromas can be extensive and cause severe cosmetic and functional issues. *Proteus syndrome* - Proteus syndrome is characterized by **asymmetric overgrowth** of various tissues including bone, skin, and fat, often leading to patchy or mosaic patterns of disproportionate growth. - While it involves overgrowth, the specific appearance in the image with its nodular, bag-like masses is more typical of plexiform neurofibroma than the broader, more generalized overgrowth seen in Proteus syndrome. *Rhabdomyosarcoma* - Rhabdomyosarcoma is a **malignant tumor of skeletal muscle**, typically presenting as a rapidly growing mass. - The lesions in the image appear more chronic and diffuse, lacking the aggressive, distinct tumoral characteristics of a typical rhabdomyosarcoma. *Malignant fibrous histiocytosis* - Malignant fibrous histiocytosis (now often classified under **undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma**) is a **high-grade soft tissue sarcoma** primarily affecting older adults, typically presenting as a rapidly enlarging mass. - Similar to rhabdomyosarcoma, this is a distinct malignant tumor and does not match the diffuse, chronic, and somewhat benign-appearing overgrowth seen in the picture.

Q: All are true about CNS malformation shown below except:

Large posterior fossa. ***Large posterior fossa*** - The image shown, consistent with a **Chiari II malformation**, typically features a **small posterior fossa**, not a large one. - A small posterior fossa contributes to the crowding and herniation of cerebellar structures through the foramen magnum. *Herniation of cerebellar tonsil* - **Chiari II malformation** is characterized by the **downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils** through the foramen magnum. - This herniation can lead to obstruction of CSF flow and associated neurological symptoms. *Herniation of cerebellar vermis* - The image suggests a **Chiari II malformation**, which involves the **caudal displacement of the cerebellar vermis** and fourth ventricle into the spinal canal. - This is a hallmark feature distinguishing it from other Chiari malformations. *Association with myelomeningocele* - **Chiari II malformation** has a strong and consistent association with **myelomeningocele**, a severe form of spina bifida. - Most patients with myelomeningocele will also have a Chiari II malformation, indicating a common developmental origin.

Q: A 2-year-old epileptic child with developmental delay presents to emergency with fever for the last two days. NCCT shows:

Lissencephaly. ***Lissencephaly*** - The image shows a **smooth brain surface** with **absent or reduced gyri and sulci**, which is characteristic of lissencephaly. - This condition is often associated with **developmental delay** and **epilepsy**, consistent with the child's presentation. *Subdural hemorrhage* - A subdural hemorrhage would appear as a **crescent-shaped collection of blood** between the dura mater and arachnoid mater. - The image does not demonstrate any such blood collection. *Arnold-Chiari malformation* - Arnold-Chiari malformation involves the downward displacement of the **cerebellar tonsils** into the foramen magnum. - While it can cause neurological symptoms, the primary finding in the image is a smooth cerebral cortex, not cerebellar displacement. *Schizencephaly* - Schizencephaly is characterized by **clefts or slits in the cerebral hemispheres** that extend from the pial surface to the ventricles. - The image shows a smooth brain surface rather than distinct full-thickness clefts.

Q: A 79-year-old male presented to the emergency department after a facial trauma. The patient had Parkinson's disease and atrial fibrillation and was on treatment with acetylsalicylic acid for AF. The image shows? (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Pneumocephalus. ***Pneumocephalus*** - The image clearly shows **intracranial air** (dark areas within the brain parenchyma and ventricles, indicated by arrows) following facial trauma, consistent with **pneumocephalus**. - **Pneumocephalus** often results from fractures of the skull base or paranasal sinuses, especially after trauma, allowing air to enter the intracranial space. *Hydrocephalus* - **Hydrocephalus** involves enlargement of the **ventricles** due to an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which would appear as dark, but *fluid-filled* spaces, not air-filled. - No signs of significantly dilated ventricles are observed; instead, distinct air pockets are visible, which look black on CT. *Intraventricular bleed* - An **intraventricular bleed** would appear as **hyperdense (bright)** material (blood) within the ventricles on a CT scan, which is not seen here. - The appearance of the abnormalities is **hypodense (black)**, indicating air, not blood. *Subarachnoid hemorrhage* - **Subarachnoid hemorrhage** is characterized by **hyperdense (bright)** blood filling the subarachnoid spaces, particularly the sulci and basal cisterns. - The image displays **hypodense** areas consistent with air within the brain, not diffuse bright areas of blood in the subarachnoid space.

Q: What is the correct diagnosis based on the image shown below?

Dense MCA sign. ***Dense MCA sign*** - The image displays a hyperdense (bright) appearance of the **Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA)**, particularly noticeble in the Sylvian fissure on the left side (indicated by the shorter arrow). This is highly suggestive of a **thrombus within the MCA lumen**, one of the earliest signs of an acute ischemic stroke on non-contrast CT [1]. - This finding is a strong indicator of **large vessel occlusion** and is crucial for guiding acute stroke management, such as the administration of thrombolytics or mechanical thrombectomy [1]. *Lacunar stroke* - Lacunar strokes are typically **small, deep infarcts** caused by occlusion of small penetrating arteries, which are not directly visible as a hyperdense vessel sign on non-contrast CT [3]. - The image shows a larger-scale vascular finding, not a small, isolated infarct characteristic of a lacunar stroke [3]. *Subarachnoid hemorrhage* - Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) appears as **high-density blood** filling the subarachnoid spaces, fissures, and sulci [2]. - While the image shows some hyperdensity, it is specifically confined to a major arterial structure (MCA), not diffuse within the subarachnoid space as seen in SAH. *Intraventricular hemorrhage* - Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is characterized by **hyperdense blood within the ventricular system** of the brain [2]. - The image does not show blood within the ventricles; the hyperdensity is clearly located along the course of a major cerebral artery. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1266-1268. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Manifestations Of Central And Peripheral Nervous System Disease, pp. 706-707. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1269-1270.

Q: A 55-year-old diabetic patient develops sudden onset hemiparesis and facial asymmetry. NCCT scan shows:

Hyperdense MCA sign. ***Hyperdense MCA sign*** - The image exhibits a **bright (hyperdense) area** within the Sylvian fissure, indicated by the white arrow, representing a **thrombus occluding the middle cerebral artery (MCA)**. This is a direct sign of acute **ischemic stroke**. - Clinical presentation of sudden onset hemiparesis and facial asymmetry in a diabetic patient strongly suggests an **ischemic stroke**, and the hyperdense MCA sign on NCCT confirms a proximal vessel occlusion. *Cystic encephalomalacia* - This refers to the **end stage of an infarct**, where brain tissue is replaced by **CSF-filled cysts** and gliosis, appearing as hypodense areas. - This finding would indicate an **old stroke**, not an acute event causing sudden neurological deficits. *Subarachnoid hemorrhage* - This condition involves **blood in the subarachnoid space**, appearing as hyperdensity within the **sulci and basal cisterns**. - While it features hyperdensity, the location in the image (within the Sylvian fissure, consistent with MCA) and the patient's symptoms are not typical for isolated subarachnoid hemorrhage. *Lobar hemorrhage* - A lobar hemorrhage is an **intraparenchymal bleed** within a lobe of the brain, appearing as a **focal, well-defined hyperdense lesion within the brain parenchyma**. - The hyperdensity in the image is linear and located within a vascular structure, consistent with an occluded vessel rather than a parenchymal bleed.

Question 1

All of the following layers are pierced by the needle shown below except:

Accepted Answer

Ligamentum denticulatum

Answer

Supraspinous ligament

Answer

Inter-spinous ligament

Answer

Ligamentum flavum

Question 2

Identify the lesion. (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

Right supranuclear lesion

Answer

Left supranuclear lesion

Answer

Right infranuclear lesion

Answer

Left infranuclear lesion

Question 3

A 50-year-old hypertensive patient develops sudden onset drooping of right face and hemiplegia. What is the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

MCA area hemorrhage

Answer

ACA area infarction

Answer

ACA area hemorrhage

Answer

MCA area infarction

Question 4

A patient presents with GCS of 7 with nuchal rigidity and bloody CSF. Which is incorrect regarding this condition? (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

IV ceftriaxone

Answer

Blood in sylvian fissure

Answer

Seizures

Answer

Intraventricular extension

Question 5

Comment on the diagnosis based on the image shown below. (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

Plexiform neurofibromatosis

Answer

Proteus syndrome

Answer

Rhabdomyosarcoma

Answer

Malignant fibrous histiocytosis

Question 6

All are true about CNS malformation shown below except:

Accepted Answer

Large posterior fossa

Answer

Herniation of cerebellar tonsil

Answer

Herniation of cerebellar vermis

Answer

Association with myelomeningocele

Question 7

A 2-year-old epileptic child with developmental delay presents to emergency with fever for the last two days. NCCT shows:

Accepted Answer

Lissencephaly

Answer

Subdural hemorrhage

Answer

Arnold-Chiari malformation

Answer

Schizencephaly

Question 8

A 79-year-old male presented to the emergency department after a facial trauma. The patient had Parkinson's disease and atrial fibrillation and was on treatment with acetylsalicylic acid for AF. The image shows? (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

Pneumocephalus

Answer

Hydrocephalus

Answer

Intraventricular bleed

Answer

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Question 9

What is the correct diagnosis based on the image shown below?

Accepted Answer

Dense MCA sign

Answer

Lacunar stroke

Answer

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Answer

Intraventricular hemorrhage

Question 10

A 55-year-old diabetic patient develops sudden onset hemiparesis and facial asymmetry. NCCT scan shows:

Accepted Answer

Hyperdense MCA sign

Answer

Cystic encephalomalacia

Answer

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Answer

Lobar hemorrhage

NEET-PG 2017

Anatomy

Internal Medicine

Pediatrics

Radiology