FRCR FRCR Neuroradiology 3

Question 1

Which MRI spectroscopy metabolite peak is characteristically elevated in high-grade gliomas, reflecting increased cell membrane turnover?

Accepted Answer

Choline

Answer

Elevated choline reflects increased phospholipid membrane synthesis and breakdown associated with rapid tumor cell proliferation.

Question 2

What is the classic MRI finding in Wernicke encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Symmetric T2/FLAIR hyperintensity in the mammillary bodies and periaqueductal gray matter

Answer

Thiamine deficiency in Wernicke encephalopathy preferentially damages metabolically active midline structures: mammillary bodies, periaqueductal gray, and thalami.

Question 3

What is the most common cause of multiple ring-enhancing brain lesions in an HIV-positive patient with a CD4 count below 200 cells/µL?

Accepted Answer

Toxoplasma gondii encephalitis

Answer

Toxoplasma encephalitis is the most common opportunistic CNS infection in AIDS, typically presenting as multiple ring-enhancing lesions in the basal ganglia.

Question 4

An epidural hematoma following head trauma typically results from rupture of which vessel, and at which skull location?

Accepted Answer

Middle meningeal artery at the pterion

Answer

The pterion is the thinnest part of the temporal squama; fracture at this site commonly tears the underlying middle meningeal artery causing arterial epidural hematoma.

Question 5

What Hounsfield unit (HU) range is expected for acute blood on non-contrast CT?

Accepted Answer

35–90 HU (hyperdense)

Answer

Acute clotted blood measures 35–90 HU due to the high protein content of hemoglobin, appearing hyperdense relative to normal brain parenchyma (~35 HU).

FRCR - Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists Practice Test

FRCR - Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists Practice Test

FRCR FRCR Neuroradiology 3