CT head: extradural hematoma: 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 · CT head: extradural hematoma

Sample item

After a temporal bone fracture, CT shows a biconvex lens-shaped extra-axial hyperdensity that does not cross suture lines. Which hemorrhage is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Extradural hematoma

Extradural hematoma is classically lens shaped and limited by sutures because the dura is tightly adherent at suture lines. It may be associated with arterial bleeding after skull fracture.

Option by option

  • A. Extradural hematoma (correct)

    Correct. Biconvex shape and suture limitation are classic for extradural bleeding.

  • B. Subdural hematoma

    Subdural blood is crescentic and can cross sutures.

  • C. Subarachnoid hemorrhage

    Subarachnoid blood follows sulci and basal cisterns.

  • D. Intraparenchymal hemorrhage

    Intraparenchymal hemorrhage lies within brain tissue.

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.

More Radiology questions

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is A, Extradural hematoma. Extradural hematoma is classically lens shaped and limited by sutures because the dura is tightly adherent at suture lines.

Why is "Subdural hematoma" not the answer?

Subdural blood is crescentic and can cross sutures.

Why is "Subarachnoid hemorrhage" not the answer?

Subarachnoid blood follows sulci and basal cisterns.

Why is "Intraparenchymal hemorrhage" not the answer?

Intraparenchymal hemorrhage lies within brain tissue.

What concept does this question test?

It tests CT head: extradural hematoma in Radiology. It may be associated with arterial bleeding after skull fracture.

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 CT head: extradural hematoma?

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.