Neuroimaging: hydrocephalus: 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.

Try it

Radiology · Neuroimaging: hydrocephalus

Sample item

CT head shows enlarged lateral and third ventricles with transependymal periventricular edema. What is the likely process?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Hydrocephalus with raised intraventricular pressure

Ventricular enlargement with transependymal edema suggests active hydrocephalus and raised CSF pressure rather than simple ex-vacuo enlargement from atrophy. Cause and urgency depend on clinical context.

Option by option

  • A. Acute epidural hematoma

    Epidural hematoma is a focal extra-axial hemorrhage.

  • B. Normal age-related change

    This is not a normal incidental finding in the appropriate clinical context.

  • C. Hydrocephalus with raised intraventricular pressure (correct)

    Correct. Periventricular CSF seepage indicates pressure-related hydrocephalus.

  • D. Diffuse cerebral atrophy only

    Atrophy enlarges sulci and ventricles without the same edema pattern.

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 C, Hydrocephalus with raised intraventricular pressure. Ventricular enlargement with transependymal edema suggests active hydrocephalus and raised CSF pressure rather than simple ex-vacuo enlargement from atrophy.

Why is "Acute epidural hematoma" not the answer?

Epidural hematoma is a focal extra-axial hemorrhage.

Why is "Normal age-related change" not the answer?

This is not a normal incidental finding in the appropriate clinical context.

Why is "Diffuse cerebral atrophy only" not the answer?

Atrophy enlarges sulci and ventricles without the same edema pattern.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroimaging: hydrocephalus in Radiology. Cause and urgency depend on clinical context.

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 Neuroimaging: hydrocephalus?

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.