MRI: diffusion-weighted imaging: 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 · MRI: diffusion-weighted imaging

Sample item

Which MRI sequence is particularly sensitive to early acute ischemic infarction because of restricted water diffusion?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Diffusion-weighted imaging

Diffusion-weighted imaging detects restricted diffusion that occurs early in acute cerebral ischemia. Apparent diffusion coefficient maps help confirm true restriction.

Option by option

  • A. MR cholangiopancreatography

    MRCP images the biliary and pancreatic ducts.

  • B. Time-of-flight angiography only

    Time-of-flight angiography depicts vessels rather than the infarct core directly.

  • C. Diffusion-weighted imaging (correct)

    Correct. DWI is highly sensitive for early ischemic injury.

  • D. T1-weighted imaging only

    T1 imaging is useful anatomically but less sensitive for very early infarction.

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, Diffusion-weighted imaging. Diffusion-weighted imaging detects restricted diffusion that occurs early in acute cerebral ischemia.

Why is "MR cholangiopancreatography" not the answer?

MRCP images the biliary and pancreatic ducts.

Why is "Time-of-flight angiography only" not the answer?

Time-of-flight angiography depicts vessels rather than the infarct core directly.

Why is "T1-weighted imaging only" not the answer?

T1 imaging is useful anatomically but less sensitive for very early infarction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests MRI: diffusion-weighted imaging in Radiology. Apparent diffusion coefficient maps help confirm true restriction.

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 MRI: diffusion-weighted imaging?

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.