Neuroradiology — MCQs
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Identify the condition shown in the CT scan image.
Which of the following abnormalities is most commonly detected as a vascular malformation on skull MRI?
Tigroid pattern on MRI is seen in -
On imaging, diffuse axonal injury is characterized by -
What is the CT scan finding in a carotid cavernous sinus fistula?
Which imaging modality is most effective in differentiating between epidermoid cyst and arachnoid cyst?
What are the X-ray findings associated with chronic otitis media?
All the following are true of craniopharyngioma except:
Which condition is characterized by a specific radiological appearance resembling a sunburst pattern?
Investigation of choice for intramedullary SOL is -
Neuroradiology Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 421: Identify the condition shown in the CT scan image.
- A. None of the options
- B. Dandy-Walker malformation (Correct Answer)
- C. Cerebellar vermis hypoplasia
- D. Mega cisterna magna
Explanation: ***Dandy-Walker malformation*** - The image shows an enlarged posterior fossa with **cystic dilation of the fourth ventricle** and **absence/hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis**, which are classic features of Dandy-Walker malformation. - The elevated tentorium and upward displacement of the transverse sinuses are also characteristic, contributing to the distinct appearance. *Cerebellar vermis hypoplasia* - While cerebellar vermis hypoplasia is a component of Dandy-Walker malformation, it is not the sole, defining feature. - Dandy-Walker also includes cystic dilation of the fourth ventricle and an enlarged posterior fossa, which are evident in the image and go beyond isolated vermis hypoplasia. *Mega cisterna magna* - A **mega cisterna magna** is a benign enlargement of the cisterna magna, which is the space between the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata. - Unlike in Dandy-Walker malformation, a mega cisterna magna usually does not involve displacement of the tentorium or hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis, and the fourth ventricle is typically normal in shape and size. *None of the options* - The image clearly displays the diagnostic hallmarks of Dandy-Walker malformation, making this option incorrect.
Question 422: Which of the following abnormalities is most commonly detected as a vascular malformation on skull MRI?
- A. Vein of Galen abnormalities (Correct Answer)
- B. Dandy Walker malformation
- C. Pneumocephalus presence
- D. Crouzon syndrome features
Explanation: ***Vein of Galen abnormalities*** - **Vein of Galen malformations (VOGM)** are the **most common symptomatic cerebral vascular malformations in neonates and infants**, accounting for approximately **30% of pediatric cerebral vascular malformations**. - They often present with **high-output cardiac failure**, hydrocephalus, or seizures in early life. - On **MRI**, they appear as a large, abnormal midline venous pouch in the quadrigeminal cistern with characteristic **flow voids** on T2-weighted images. - VOGM represents an **arteriovenous shunt** to a persistent embryonic vein (median prosencephalic vein of Markowski). *Dandy Walker malformation* - This is a **congenital brain malformation** involving the cerebellum and fourth ventricle, characterized by hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis, cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle, and an enlarged posterior fossa. - While readily seen on MRI, it is a **structural developmental anomaly**, not a vascular malformation. *Pneumocephalus presence* - **Pneumocephalus** refers to the presence of **air within the intracranial cavity**, usually resulting from trauma, neurosurgery, or skull base fractures. - It is an **acquired condition**, not a congenital vascular malformation, and appears as dark signal (air) on all MRI sequences. *Crouzon syndrome features* - **Crouzon syndrome** is a genetic disorder (FGFR2 mutation) characterized by **craniosynostosis** with premature fusion of coronal and sagittal sutures, leading to brachycephaly and midface hypoplasia. - It is a **craniofacial skeletal disorder**, not a vascular malformation.
Question 423: Tigroid pattern on MRI is seen in -
- A. Wilson's disease
- B. Metachromatic leukodystrophy (Correct Answer)
- C. Parkinsonism
- D. GB syndrome
Explanation: ***Metachromatic leukodystrophy*** - The **tigroid pattern** on MRI, characterized by **perivascular sparing** within demyelinated white matter, is highly characteristic of metachromatic leukodystrophy. - This pattern results from the accumulation of **sulfatides** in oligodendrocytes and macrophages, leading to central demyelination with spared U-fibers and white matter adjacent to vessels. *Wilson's disease* - Wilson's disease involves **copper accumulation** and typically presents with abnormalities in the **basal ganglia**, thalami, and brainstem. - While it causes neurodegeneration, it does not produce a characteristic tigroid demyelination pattern. *Parkinsonism* - Parkinsonism refers to a group of neurological disorders characterized by motor symptoms like **bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability**. - MRI findings in Parkinsonism often show **nigral degeneration** but do not typically involve a tigroid pattern of leukodystrophy. *GB syndrome* - **Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)** is an acute autoimmune peripheral neuropathy affecting the **peripheral nerves and nerve roots**. - It does not involve central nervous system demyelination or display a tigroid pattern on brain MRI.
Question 424: On imaging, diffuse axonal injury is characterized by -
- A. Patchy ill-defined low density lesion mixed with small hyperdensities of petechial hemorrhage
- B. Crescentic extra-axial hematoma
- C. White matter lucencies
- D. Multiple small petechial hemorrhages (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Multiple small petechial hemorrhages*** - Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is characterized on imaging by numerous **small petechial hemorrhages** at the **gray-white matter junction**, **corpus callosum**, and **brainstem**. - These microhemorrhages are the **hallmark imaging finding** and are best visualized on MRI (GRE/SWI sequences), though they can be seen on CT as small hyperdensities. - This is the **most specific** and characteristic finding that defines DAI. *Patchy ill-defined low density lesion mixed with small hyperdensities of petechial hemorrhage* - While this description can be seen in DAI (combining edema with microhemorrhages), it is **less specific** and could represent other entities. - This mixed pattern is more commonly associated with **contusions** where there is more prominent parenchymal injury with larger areas of edema and hemorrhage. - DAI classically shows predominantly **small punctate hemorrhages** rather than larger patchy low-density lesions. *Crescentic extra-axial hematoma* - A crescentic extra-axial collection describes a **subdural hematoma**, which is an entirely separate entity from DAI. - Subdural hematomas are located between the dura and arachnoid membranes, whereas DAI involves direct **axonal shearing injury** within brain parenchyma. *White matter lucencies* - This is a **non-specific finding** that can occur in many conditions including ischemia, demyelination, and chronic small vessel disease. - While DAI can cause white matter edema leading to lucencies, this does not capture the **characteristic petechial hemorrhages** that define the condition on imaging.
Question 425: What is the CT scan finding in a carotid cavernous sinus fistula?
- A. Enlarged superior ophthalmic vein (Correct Answer)
- B. Enlarged inferior ophthalmic vein
- C. Enlarged superior ophthalmic artery
- D. Enlarged inferior ophthalmic artery
Explanation: ***Enlarged superior ophthalmic vein*** * A carotid cavernous sinus fistula (CCSF) causes **high-pressure arterial blood** to shunt into the **venous system** of the cavernous sinus. * This increased pressure leads to retrograde flow and congestion in the draining veins, most notably the **superior ophthalmic vein**, causing its dilation. *Enlarged inferior ophthalmic vein* * While the inferior ophthalmic vein can also be involved in some cases of CCSF, the **superior ophthalmic vein** is typically more prominent and consistently affected due to its primary drainage pathway. * The inferior ophthalmic vein is less frequently the primary or most notable imaging finding compared to the superior ophthalmic vein. *Enlarged superior ophthalmic artery* * A CCSF involves an abnormal connection between the **carotid artery** (an artery) and the **cavernous sinus** (a venous structure), leading to venous, not arterial, dilation. * Arteries in the orbital region, like the superior ophthalmic artery, would not typically enlarge as a direct result of increased venous pressure in the cavernous sinus. *Enlarged inferior ophthalmic artery* * Similar to the superior ophthalmic artery, the inferior ophthalmic artery is an **arterial structure** and would not enlarge due to a high-flow arteriovenous shunt within the cavernous sinus. * The pathological changes in CCSF are primarily observed in the **venous drainage pathways**.
Question 426: Which imaging modality is most effective in differentiating between epidermoid cyst and arachnoid cyst?
- A. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (Correct Answer)
- B. Ultrasound (USG)
- C. Computed Tomography (CT) scan
- D. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
Explanation: ***Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)*** - **MRI** is superior for differentiating epidermoid and arachnoid cysts due to its excellent **soft tissue contrast** and ability to detect fluid signal characteristics. - **Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)**, a specific MRI sequence, is crucial; **epidermoid cysts** show high signal on DWI (diffusion restriction) due to their keratin content, while **arachnoid cysts** follow CSF signal on all sequences and do not restrict diffusion. *Ultrasound (USG)* - **Ultrasound** has limited utility for intracranial lesions in adults due to the bony skull, which prevents sound wave penetration. - It may be used in infants through the fontanelles but lacks the resolution and specific sequences needed to characterize these cysts. *Computed Tomography (CT) scan* - While a **CT scan** can identify these cysts as hypodense lesions, it lacks the detailed **tissue characterization** and signal patterns provided by MRI. - Both cysts would appear as **hypodense lesions**, making differentiation difficult based on density alone, especially after contrast administration. *Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan* - A **PET scan** primarily assesses metabolic activity and would not effectively differentiate between benign **non-metabolic cysts** like epidermoid and arachnoid cysts. - It is more commonly used for detecting **malignancies** or assessing brain activity patterns, not for structural differentiation of fluid-filled lesions.
Question 427: What are the X-ray findings associated with chronic otitis media?
- A. Honeycombing of mastoid
- B. Sclerosis with cavity in mastoid (Correct Answer)
- C. Clear-cut distinct bony partition between cells
- D. Increased pneumatization of mastoid cells
Explanation: ***Sclerosis with cavity in mastoid*** - Chronic otitis media leads to **long-standing inflammation** and **destruction** of the mastoid air cells, resulting in dense, **sclerotic bone** with cavity formation due to bone erosion. - This is the **characteristic X-ray finding** in chronic otitis media, indicating osseous remodeling and bone destruction from persistent infection. - The sclerosis represents reactive bone formation, while cavities form from **coalescence** of destroyed air cells. *Honeycombing of mastoid* - Honeycombing describes a **normal, well-pneumatized mastoid** with numerous small, distinct air cells visible on X-ray. - This appearance indicates a healthy mastoid bone with good aeration and is **inconsistent** with chronic inflammation. - Chronic otitis media causes bone remodeling and sclerosis, **not** preserved pneumatization. *Clear-cut distinct bony partition between cells* - This describes **normal mastoid anatomy** where air cells are well-defined and separated by thin, intact bony septa. - In chronic otitis media, these septa are typically **eroded or thickened** by inflammation, leading to loss of distinctness. - The inflammatory process causes destruction and sclerosis, **not** preservation of normal architecture. *Increased pneumatization of mastoid cells* - Increased pneumatization indicates **excessive air cell development**, which is opposite to the changes seen in chronic infection. - Chronic otitis media causes **destruction and sclerosis** of air cells, not increased pneumatization. - This would be seen in normal developmental variants, not chronic inflammatory disease.
Question 428: All the following are true of craniopharyngioma except:
- A. Derived from Rathke's pouch
- B. Contains epithelial cells
- C. Causes visual disturbances
- D. Present in sella or infra-sellar location (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Present in sella or infra-sellar location*** - Craniopharyngiomas are typically located in the **suprasellar region**, above the **sella turcica**, where they can compress the optic chiasm. - While they can extend into the sella, their primary location is rarely exclusively intrasellar or infrasellar. *Derived from Rathke's pouch* - This statement is true; craniopharyngiomas arise from remnants of **Rathke's pouch**, the embryonic precursor of the anterior pituitary gland. - This origin explains their characteristic location near the pituitary stalk and third ventricle. *Contains epithelial cells* - This statement is true as **craniopharyngiomas** are benign **epithelial tumors**, specifically adamantinomatous or papillary types. - They are composed of stratified squamous epithelium, often with calcifications and cystic components. *Causes visual disturbances* - This statement is true because the **suprasellar location** of a craniopharyngioma often leads to compression of the **optic chiasm**, resulting in characteristic visual field deficits like bitemporal hemianopsia. - Visual disturbances are a common presenting symptom due to their proximity to the visual pathways.
Question 429: Which condition is characterized by a specific radiological appearance resembling a sunburst pattern?
- A. Chondrosarcoma
- B. Fibrosarcoma
- C. Osteosarcoma (Correct Answer)
- D. Ewing's sarcoma
Explanation: ***Osteosarcoma*** - **Osteosarcoma** is known for its classic radiological findings, including the **sunburst (rising sun)** or **spiculated periosteal reaction**, where new bone forms perpendicular to the cortex. - Another characteristic finding is **Codman's triangle**, which is a triangular elevation of the periosteum visible on X-ray. *Chondrosarcoma* - **Chondrosarcomas** are typically characterized by a **"rings and arcs"** pattern of calcification within the cartilaginous matrix on imaging studies. - They tend to appear as lobular masses with endosteal scalloping and soft tissue components rather than the sunburst pattern. *Ewing's sarcoma* - **Ewing's sarcoma** classically presents with an **"onion skin" (lamellated)** periosteal reaction due to layers of parallel new bone formation. - It often appears as an ill-defined lytic lesion with cortical destruction, differing from the sunburst appearance. *Fibrosarcoma* - **Fibrosarcomas** are typically **lytic lesions** with aggressive cortical destruction and soft tissue involvement. - They generally do not produce characteristic periosteal reactions like the sunburst or onion skin appearance, often presenting as non-specific destructive lesions.
Question 430: Investigation of choice for intramedullary SOL is -
- A. MRI (Correct Answer)
- B. USG
- C. CT
- D. X-ray
Explanation: ***MRI*** - **Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)** is the investigation of choice for intramedullary lesions due to its superior **soft tissue contrast** and ability to visualize the **spinal cord** parenchyma. - It provides detailed information on lesion size, location, and internal characteristics, which is crucial for diagnosis and surgical planning. *USG* - **Ultrasound (USG)** has limited utility for intramedullary lesions as a primary diagnostic tool because **bone impedes sound waves**, making it difficult to visualize structures within the spinal canal. - It might be used for neonatal spinal screening or intraoperative guidance, but not for definitive diagnosis of intramedullary lesions in adults. *CT* - **Computed Tomography (CT)** excels at visualizing **bone structures** and calcifications, but it provides less detailed information about soft tissue elements like the spinal cord compared to MRI. - While it can identify bony changes associated with intramedullary lesions, it is not the preferred initial imaging modality for characterizing the lesion itself. *X-ray* - **X-rays** provide basic imaging of bone but offer essentially **no visualization of soft tissues** such as the spinal cord or intramedullary lesions. - They are primarily used to identify gross bony abnormalities like fractures or severe degenerative changes, not for subtle intraspinal pathologies.
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