BCSE Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation 5

Question 1

On a nuclear medicine bone scan, which pattern is most characteristic of metastatic prostate cancer?

Accepted Answer

Multiple asymmetric areas of increased uptake (hot spots) in the axial skeleton

Answer

Prostate cancer metastases are typically osteoblastic, producing multiple asymmetric hot spots predominantly in the axial skeleton on bone scintigraphy.

Question 2

On CT of the chest, which finding is most suggestive of a malignant solitary pulmonary nodule rather than a benign granuloma?

Accepted Answer

Spiculated margins with a diameter >8 mm and no central calcification

Answer

Spiculated margins, size >8 mm, and absence of benign calcification patterns are the highest-risk CT features for malignancy in a pulmonary nodule.

Question 3

On CT of the abdomen, which finding best describes aortic dissection versus aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

An intimal flap creating true and false lumens within the aorta

Answer

Aortic dissection is defined by an intimal flap dividing the aorta into true and false lumens, distinguishing it from aneurysmal dilation.

Question 4

On MRI of the brain, periventricular white matter T2/FLAIR hyperintensities perpendicular to the corpus callosum ('Dawson's fingers') are characteristic of which condition?

Accepted Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Answer

Dawson's fingers are ovoid MS plaques oriented along perivenular drainage pathways perpendicular to the ventricles, a hallmark of MS on MRI.

Question 5

On plain radiograph, which finding is most consistent with osteosarcoma in an adolescent patient?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive periosteal reaction with Codman's triangle and a soft-tissue mass

Answer

Osteosarcoma classically shows Codman's triangle (elevated periosteum at tumor margin) and sunburst periosteal reaction with an associated soft-tissue mass.

BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Practice Test

BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Practice Test

BCSE Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation 5