Imaging modalities and physics: diffusion tensor 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 · Imaging modalities and physics: diffusion tensor imaging

Sample item

Before resecting a glioma near the internal capsule, the surgeon wants to see whether the corticospinal tract is displaced or infiltrated. Which MRI technique best shows this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Diffusion tensor imaging with tractography

Water diffuses preferentially along myelinated axons, and diffusion tensor imaging uses this directionality (fractional anisotropy) to reconstruct white matter tracts. Tractography helps plan surgery so eloquent tracts are spared. The other sequences assess metabolites, blood products and vessels.

Option by option

  • A. Diffusion tensor imaging with tractography (correct)

    Correct. Directional diffusion allows reconstruction of fibre tracts.

  • B. Proton MR spectroscopy

    Spectroscopy gives metabolite peaks such as choline and NAA and does not trace tracts.

  • C. Susceptibility-weighted imaging

    Susceptibility imaging is sensitive to blood products and calcium, not tract anatomy.

  • D. Contrast-enhanced MR angiography

    MR angiography shows vessels, not white matter pathways.

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 A, Diffusion tensor imaging with tractography. Water diffuses preferentially along myelinated axons, and diffusion tensor imaging uses this directionality (fractional anisotropy) to reconstruct white matter tracts.

Why is "Proton MR spectroscopy" not the answer?

Spectroscopy gives metabolite peaks such as choline and NAA and does not trace tracts.

Why is "Susceptibility-weighted imaging" not the answer?

Susceptibility imaging is sensitive to blood products and calcium, not tract anatomy.

Why is "Contrast-enhanced MR angiography" not the answer?

MR angiography shows vessels, not white matter pathways.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Imaging modalities and physics: diffusion tensor imaging in Radiology. Tractography helps plan surgery so eloquent tracts are spared. The other sequences assess metabolites, blood products and vessels.

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 Imaging modalities and physics: diffusion tensor 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.