CT head: subdural 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: subdural hematoma

Sample item

An older patient after a minor fall has a crescent-shaped extra-axial collection that crosses suture lines on CT. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Subdural hematoma

Subdural hematomas are usually crescentic because blood spreads along the cerebral convexity beneath the dura. They commonly result from torn bridging veins.

Option by option

  • A. Extradural hematoma

    Extradural hematoma is typically biconvex and limited by sutures.

  • B. Epidermoid cyst

    Epidermoid cyst has a different chronic imaging appearance.

  • C. Pituitary apoplexy

    Pituitary apoplexy is centered in the sellar region.

  • D. Subdural hematoma (correct)

    Correct. A crescentic collection crossing sutures is subdural blood.

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 D, Subdural hematoma. Subdural hematomas are usually crescentic because blood spreads along the cerebral convexity beneath the dura.

Why is "Extradural hematoma" not the answer?

Extradural hematoma is typically biconvex and limited by sutures.

Why is "Epidermoid cyst" not the answer?

Epidermoid cyst has a different chronic imaging appearance.

Why is "Pituitary apoplexy" not the answer?

Pituitary apoplexy is centered in the sellar region.

What concept does this question test?

It tests CT head: subdural hematoma in Radiology. They commonly result from torn bridging veins.

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: subdural 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.