Neurology: brain abscess imaging: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Neurology: brain abscess imaging

Sample item

MRI of a febrile patient shows a ring-enhancing lesion with central high signal on diffusion-weighted imaging and low ADC. What does this favour?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Pyogenic brain abscess

A pyogenic abscess contains viscous pus that restricts diffusion, appearing bright on DWI with low ADC in the centre. Necrotic tumours usually have facilitated diffusion centrally. Treatment is drainage and prolonged antibiotics.

Option by option

  • A. Neurocysticercosis granuloma

    A neurocysticercosis granuloma shows a small ring with a scolex, not central restricted diffusion.

  • B. Glioblastoma

    Glioblastoma has a thick irregular rim with unrestricted central necrosis.

  • C. Pyogenic brain abscess (correct)

    Correct. Central restricted diffusion favours abscess.

  • D. Metastasis

    Metastases usually show unrestricted central diffusion.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is C, Pyogenic brain abscess. A pyogenic abscess contains viscous pus that restricts diffusion, appearing bright on DWI with low ADC in the centre.

Why is "Neurocysticercosis granuloma" not the answer?

A neurocysticercosis granuloma shows a small ring with a scolex, not central restricted diffusion.

Why is "Glioblastoma" not the answer?

Glioblastoma has a thick irregular rim with unrestricted central necrosis.

Why is "Metastasis" not the answer?

Metastases usually show unrestricted central diffusion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurology: brain abscess imaging in General Medicine. Necrotic tumours usually have facilitated diffusion centrally. Treatment is drainage and prolonged antibiotics.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurology: brain abscess imaging?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.