Neuroimaging: ASPECTS score: practice question

A Radiology 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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Radiology · Neuroimaging: ASPECTS score

Sample item

A CT of the head for acute MCA stroke is scored out of 10 by examining defined regions for early ischaemic change. What does a low score such as 4 imply?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Extensive early infarction with a large established core and a poorer expected outcome

The Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score starts at 10 and subtracts a point for each MCA territory region with early hypodensity or loss of grey-white differentiation. Lower scores indicate larger infarct core and worse prognosis.

Option by option

  • A. A tumour

    ASPECTS does not evaluate tumours.

  • B. Extensive early infarction with a large established core and a poorer expected outcome (correct)

    Correct. A low score signals a large established core.

  • C. Entirely normal brain

    A normal CT scores 10.

  • D. A haemorrhagic stroke

    Haemorrhage is excluded by a hyperdense finding and is not what ASPECTS measures.

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 Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, Extensive early infarction with a large established core and a poorer expected outcome. The Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score starts at 10 and subtracts a point for each MCA territory region with early hypodensity or loss of grey-white differentiation.

Why is "A tumour" not the answer?

ASPECTS does not evaluate tumours.

Why is "Entirely normal brain" not the answer?

A normal CT scores 10.

Why is "A haemorrhagic stroke" not the answer?

Haemorrhage is excluded by a hyperdense finding and is not what ASPECTS measures.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroimaging: ASPECTS score in Radiology. Lower scores indicate larger infarct core and worse prognosis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Neuroimaging: ASPECTS score?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology 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.