Neuroimaging: septo-optic dysplasia: 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: septo-optic dysplasia

Sample item

A 3-year-old has poor vision, short stature and hypoglycaemia. MRI shows absence of the septum pellucidum, small optic nerves and a hypoplastic pituitary stalk. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Septo-optic dysplasia

Septo-optic dysplasia combines optic nerve hypoplasia, absent septum pellucidum and hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. Endocrine screening is therefore essential. A tumour would show a mass, and holoprosencephaly shows failure of midline cleavage.

Option by option

  • A. Holoprosencephaly

    Holoprosencephaly shows a fused ventricle and severe midline failure.

  • B. Optic pathway glioma

    Optic glioma enlarges the optic pathway rather than shrinking it.

  • C. Septo-optic dysplasia (correct)

    Correct. The triad of absent septum, small optic nerves and pituitary dysfunction is characteristic.

  • D. Craniopharyngioma

    Craniopharyngioma presents as a calcified cystic suprasellar mass.

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 C, Septo-optic dysplasia. Septo-optic dysplasia combines optic nerve hypoplasia, absent septum pellucidum and hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction.

Why is "Holoprosencephaly" not the answer?

Holoprosencephaly shows a fused ventricle and severe midline failure.

Why is "Optic pathway glioma" not the answer?

Optic glioma enlarges the optic pathway rather than shrinking it.

Why is "Craniopharyngioma" not the answer?

Craniopharyngioma presents as a calcified cystic suprasellar mass.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroimaging: septo-optic dysplasia in Radiology. Endocrine screening is therefore essential. A tumour would show a mass, and holoprosencephaly shows failure of midline cleavage.

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 Neuroimaging: septo-optic dysplasia?

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.