HRCT: usual interstitial pneumonia: 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 · HRCT: usual interstitial pneumonia

Sample item

High-resolution CT shows basal subpleural reticulation, traction bronchiectasis, and honeycombing. Which pattern is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Usual interstitial pneumonia pattern

A usual interstitial pneumonia pattern is characterized by basal and subpleural fibrosis with traction bronchiectasis and honeycombing. It is often associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the appropriate setting.

Option by option

  • A. Centrilobular emphysema

    Emphysema causes low-attenuation areas and vascular pruning.

  • B. Usual interstitial pneumonia pattern (correct)

    Correct. Peripheral basal honeycombing is the defining UIP imaging feature.

  • C. Miliary tuberculosis

    Miliary TB produces innumerable small random nodules.

  • D. Pulmonary edema

    Edema produces septal thickening and often pleural effusions.

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 B, Usual interstitial pneumonia pattern. A usual interstitial pneumonia pattern is characterized by basal and subpleural fibrosis with traction bronchiectasis and honeycombing.

Why is "Centrilobular emphysema" not the answer?

Emphysema causes low-attenuation areas and vascular pruning.

Why is "Miliary tuberculosis" not the answer?

Miliary TB produces innumerable small random nodules.

Why is "Pulmonary edema" not the answer?

Edema produces septal thickening and often pleural effusions.

What concept does this question test?

It tests HRCT: usual interstitial pneumonia in Radiology. It is often associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the appropriate setting.

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 HRCT: usual interstitial pneumonia?

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.