Neuroradiology Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is the most common cause of a mixed cystic and solid suprasellar mass seen on cranial MR scan of a 10-year-old child:

Craniopharyngioma. ***Craniopharyngioma*** * **Craniopharyngiomas** are the most common cause of a mixed cystic and solid suprasellar mass in children, often presenting with calcifications. * These tumors typically arise from Rathke's pouch remnants and can cause symptoms related to **pituitary dysfunction** and **visual field defects**. *Optic chiasma glioma* * **Optic chiasma gliomas** usually present as solid masses, although they can sometimes have cystic components. * They are more commonly associated with **Neurofibromatosis type 1** and primarily cause visual symptoms. *Pituitary Adenoma* * **Pituitary adenomas** are rare in children and typically present as purely solid masses, although cystic degeneration can occur. * They are more common in adults and often cause symptoms of **hormonal overproduction** or hypopituitarism. *Germinoma* * **Germinomas** are usually solid and homogenously enhancing tumors, sometimes with small cystic areas. * They are frequently located in the **pineal region** or suprasellar region and can cause hydrocephalus or endocrine dysfunction.

Q: Lyre sign is seen in

Carotid body tumor. ***Carotid body tumor*** - The **lyre sign** describes the splaying of the carotid artery bifurcation by a mass, which is characteristic of a **paraganglioma** originating from the **carotid body**. - This is best visualized on **angiography** or cross-sectional imaging, where the external and internal carotid arteries are pushed apart, resembling the shape of a lyre. *Carcinoma maxilla* - This refers to a **malignancy of the maxillary sinus** or bone, which typically presents with facial pain, swelling, epistaxis, or nasal obstruction. - It does not involve the carotid arteries and therefore would not exhibit a lyre sign. *Abdominal aortic aneurysm* - An **abdominal aortic aneurysm** is a localized dilation of the abdominal aorta, usually presenting as a pulsatile mass or back/abdominal pain. - This condition affects a different anatomical region and vascular system and has no association with the lyre sign. *Thyroglossal fistula* - A **thyroglossal fistula** is a congenital anomaly where a persistent tract connects the thyroid gland to the base of the tongue, often presenting as a midline neck mass or drainage. - This condition is located in the anterior neck and does not involve the carotid arteries or their bifurcation.

Q: Angiographically, the typical "beaded" or "pile of plates" appearance involving the internal carotid artery is seen in -

Fibromuscular dysplasia. ***Fibromuscular dysplasia*** - This condition is characterized by **abnormal cell growth within the walls of arteries**, leading to areas of narrowing (**stenosis**) and widening (**aneurysms**), which creates the classic "**beaded**" or "**pile of plates**" appearance on angiography. - While it can affect various arteries, the **renal arteries** and **internal carotid arteries** are most commonly involved. *Takayasu's Disease* - This is a **granulomatous vasculitis** primarily affecting the aorta and its major branches, leading to **stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysm formation**. - It does not typically present with the "beaded" appearance; instead, it causes more **long-segment, smooth narrowing or occlusion** of vessels. *Non-specific aorto-arteritis* - This is a general term often used synonymously with Takayasu's arteritis, referring to **inflammation of the aorta and large arteries**. - The angiographic findings would be similar to Takayasu's, including **stenosis and occlusion** of large vessels, without the characteristic "beaded" pattern. *Rendu-Osler-Weber Disease* - Also known as **hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia**, this is an **autosomal dominant disorder** characterized by the formation of **arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)** and **telangiectasias** in various organs. - The vascular abnormalities are **dilatations and direct connections** between arteries and veins, not stenotic and aneurysmal segments producing a "beaded" appearance.

Q: Wrapping up of the cerebellum around the brain stem in Chiari Malformation is called

Banana sign. ***Banana sign*** - The **banana sign** describes the characteristic **flattening and anterior curvature** of the cerebellum, wrapping around the brainstem, which is seen in conjunction with **Chiari Malformation type II**. - This appearance is due to the **inferior displacement** of the cerebellum into the foramen magnum. *Lemon sign* - The **lemon sign** refers to the **bilateral indentation** of the frontal bones, making the fetal head appear lemon-shaped on ultrasound. - While also associated with **Chiari Malformation type II**, it describes the cranial vault shape, not the cerebellar configuration. *Tectal Beak* - The **Tectal Beak** describes a posterior displacement and pointed configuration of the **tectum** (quadrigeminal plate) due to CSF flow disruption. - This is often seen in **Chiari Malformation type II** but refers to the midbrain structure, not the cerebellum wrapping around the brainstem. *Lambda sign* - The **Lambda sign** (or twin-peak sign) is an ultrasound finding used to differentiate **dichorionic-diamniotic** twin pregnancies from monochorionic pregnancies. - It indicates the presence of a **chorionic membrane** with a triangular projection between the twins and is unrelated to Chiari malformation.

Q: Which sequence best shows white matter demyelination?

FLAIR. ***FLAIR*** - **FLAIR (Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery)** imaging is highly sensitive for detecting white matter lesions, especially those located juxtacortically and periventricularly, which are characteristic of demyelination. - It suppresses the signal from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), making lesions adjacent to the ventricles or in the subarachnoid space more conspicuous by appearing hyperintense against the dark CSF. *DWI* - **DWI (Diffusion-Weighted Imaging)** is primarily used to detect acute ischemic stroke by showing restricted diffusion, which is not the primary feature of demyelination. - While some white matter lesions may show subtle DWI changes, it is not the best sequence for initial detection or characterization of demyelinating plaques. *T1W* - **T1-weighted (T1W)** images are excellent for anatomical detail and can show atrophy or "black holes" (areas of permanent axonal loss) in chronic demyelination, but they are less sensitive for primary lesion detection than FLAIR. - Acute demyelinating lesions are often isointense or mildly hypointense on T1W, making them difficult to distinguish without contrast enhancement. *GRE* - **GRE (Gradient Echo)** sequences are very sensitive to blood products (e.g., hemorrhage) and iron deposition, often used for microbleeds and certain types of vascular malformations. - It has limited utility in directly visualizing or characterizing white matter demyelination, which typically does not involve significant blood products or iron in its acute phase.

Q: A patient presents with fever and a rim-enhancing lesion with an air-fluid level on brain CT. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Brain abscess. ***Brain abscess*** - The presence of **fever** points towards an infectious etiology, and a **rim-enhancing lesion with an air-fluid level** on CT is highly characteristic of a brain abscess. The air-fluid level suggests gas-forming organisms or communication with an air-containing structure like a paranasal sinus. - An abscess is a collection of pus, and the "rim-enhancement" indicates the inflammatory capsule surrounding the infection, while the **air-fluid level** is virtually pathognomonic for an abscess containing gas. *Glioblastoma* - While glioblastoma can be a **rim-enhancing lesion**, it is a primary brain tumor and typically does not present with **fever** or an **air-fluid level**. - It often shows **irregular, thick enhancement** and typically causes significant surrounding edema, but the key differentiating factors here are the fever and air-fluid level. *Metastasis* - Brain metastases often present as **multiple, rim-enhancing lesions**, but they are tumors and do not typically cause **fever** (unless very large with extensive necrosis) or exhibit **air-fluid levels**. - The clinical context (e.g., history of cancer) would be important for metastasis, but the **air-fluid level** strongly differentiates this case. *Tuberculoma* - A tuberculoma is a **granulomatous lesion** that can also show **rim enhancement**, especially with central caseous necrosis. However, it typically does not present with an **air-fluid level**. - While fever can be present in tuberculosis, the **air-fluid level** is the most discriminating feature pointing away from tuberculoma and towards an abscess.

Q: Not a feature of berry aneurysm on CT angiogram

Peripheral location. ***Peripheral location*** - **Berry aneurysms** are typically located at arterial bifurcations, often in the **Circle of Willis**, making them central rather than peripheral. - Their rupture leads to **subarachnoid hemorrhage**, which usually originates from these central locations. *Saccular shape* - The term "berry aneurysm" itself refers to their characteristic **saccular, sac-like shape**, distinguishing them from fusiform aneurysms. - This morphology is a key diagnostic feature seen on **CT angiography**. *Enhancement* - During **CT angiography**, the contrast material within the aneurysm lumen will enhance, clearly delineating its borders and size. - This enhancement is crucial for visualizing the aneurysm and identifying potential rupture. *Calcification* - While less common than in other types of aneurysms, **calcification of the aneurysm wall** can occur, particularly in older, unruptured aneurysms. - This calcification can be seen on non-contrast CT scans and sometimes implies chronicity.

Q: Most specific finding of acute stroke on CT

Hyperdense MCA sign. ***Hyperdense MCA sign*** - The **hyperdense middle cerebral artery (MCA) sign** is a direct visualization of a **thrombus** within the MCA, making it highly specific for an acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion. - This sign indicates an acute arterial occlusion, which is key to early diagnosis and determining eligibility for **thrombolytic therapy**. *Sulcal effacement* - **Sulcal effacement** (loss of the normal grooves in the brain surface) may be an early sign of **brain edema** secondary to ischemia. - However, it is a non-specific finding and can be seen in other conditions causing brain swelling, such as trauma or infection. *Mass effect* - **Mass effect**, such as midline shift or effacement of ventricles, typically occurs later in the course of a large ischemic stroke due to significant edema. - In the acute phase, especially within the first few hours, mass effect is usually not evident, and its presence might suggest a different pathology or a more advanced stroke. *Loss of gray-white differentiation* - **Loss of gray-white differentiation** is an indirect sign of early cerebral ischemia, reflecting developing cytotoxic edema in the affected brain tissue. - While an important early indicator, it is less specific than the hyperdense MCA sign, as various acute brain injuries can cause similar changes.

Q: Best imaging modality for acoustic neuroma screening

MRI with gadolinium. ***MRI with gadolinium*** - **Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with gadolinium contrast** is the gold standard for acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) detection due to its superior soft tissue resolution. - It effectively visualizes **small tumors** arising from the vestibular nerve within the internal auditory canal and cerebellopontine angle. *Nuclear scan* - **Nuclear scans** are generally used for assessing metabolic activity or specific tissue uptake, such as in oncology for metastasis detection or thyroid conditions. - They lack the **anatomical detail and resolution** needed to visualize small intracranial tumors like acoustic neuromas. *CT temporal bone* - **CT scans of the temporal bone** are excellent for evaluating bony structures, such as fractures or erosion of the internal auditory canal. - However, they have **limited sensitivity for soft tissue masses** and can miss small acoustic neuromas. *Plain skull X-ray* - **Plain skull X-rays** provide very limited information about soft tissues and are not useful for screening or diagnosing acoustic neuromas. - They mainly visualize **gross bony abnormalities** and cannot detect subtle pathologies within the internal auditory canal or cerebellopontine angle.

Q: Empty thecal sac sign is seen in:

Arachnoiditis. ***Arachnoiditis*** - The **empty thecal sac** sign is a characteristic imaging finding in severe chronic arachnoiditis, where nerve roots clump together and adhere to the dura, leaving the center of the thecal sac empty of contrast or cerebrospinal fluid. - This condition involves **inflammation and fibrosis** of the arachnoid membrane, often leading to adhesion of nerve roots. *Discitis* - Discitis is an **inflammation of the intervertebral disc** space, typically presenting with back pain and fever, but does not cause an empty thecal sac sign. - Imaging usually shows **disc space narrowing** and endplate changes. *Vertebral osteomyelitis* - This is an **infection of the vertebral bone**, distinguished by progressive bone destruction and sometimes epidural abscess formation. - It does not lead to the **empty thecal sac** sign; instead, imaging reveals bony changes and potential soft tissue masses. *Tethered Cord syndrome* - Tethered cord syndrome involves the **spinal cord being anchored to the spinal canal**, restricting its movement and causing traction. - While it can manifest with neurological symptoms, it is characterized by a low-lying conus medullaris and a thickened filum terminale, not an **empty thecal sac**.

Question 1

Which of the following is the most common cause of a mixed cystic and solid suprasellar mass seen on cranial MR scan of a 10-year-old child:

Accepted Answer

Craniopharyngioma

Answer

Optic chiasma glioma

Answer

Pituitary Adenoma

Answer

Germinoma

Question 2

Lyre sign is seen in

Accepted Answer

Carotid body tumor

Answer

Carcinoma maxilla

Answer

Thyroglossal fistula

Answer

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Question 3

Angiographically, the typical "beaded" or "pile of plates" appearance involving the internal carotid artery is seen in -

Accepted Answer

Fibromuscular dysplasia

Answer

Takayasu's Disease

Answer

Non-specific aorto-arteritis

Answer

Rendu-Osler-Weber Disease

Question 4

Wrapping up of the cerebellum around the brain stem in Chiari Malformation is called

Accepted Answer

Banana sign

Answer

Lemon sign

Answer

Tectal Beak

Answer

Lambda sign

Question 5

Which sequence best shows white matter demyelination?

Accepted Answer

FLAIR

Answer

DWI

Answer

T1W

Answer

GRE

Question 6

A patient presents with fever and a rim-enhancing lesion with an air-fluid level on brain CT. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Brain abscess

Answer

Glioblastoma

Answer

Metastasis

Answer

Tuberculoma

Question 7

Not a feature of berry aneurysm on CT angiogram

Accepted Answer

Peripheral location

Answer

Saccular shape

Answer

Enhancement

Answer

Calcification

Question 8

Most specific finding of acute stroke on CT

Accepted Answer

Hyperdense MCA sign

Answer

Sulcal effacement

Answer

Mass effect

Answer

Loss of gray-white differentiation

Question 9

Best imaging modality for acoustic neuroma screening

Accepted Answer

MRI with gadolinium

Answer

Nuclear scan

Answer

CT temporal bone

Answer

Plain skull X-ray

Question 10

Empty thecal sac sign is seen in:

Accepted Answer

Arachnoiditis

Answer

Discitis

Answer

Vertebral osteomyelitis

Answer

Tethered Cord syndrome

Neuroradiology — MCQs

Neuroradiology — MCQs

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