Imaging modalities and physics: SPIO liver contrast: 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: SPIO liver contrast

Sample item

A superparamagnetic iron oxide agent is given for liver MRI. Normal liver darkens on T2-weighted images but a metastasis stays bright. Which cells take up the agent?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Kupffer cells of the reticuloendothelial system

SPIO particles are phagocytosed by Kupffer cells in normal liver, and their strong susceptibility effect shortens T2 and darkens the parenchyma. Lesions without Kupffer cells, such as metastases, keep their signal and stand out.

Option by option

  • A. Hepatic stellate cells

    Stellate cells store vitamin A and do not phagocytose the agent.

  • B. Bile duct epithelium

    Bile duct epithelium does not take up SPIO particles.

  • C. Kupffer cells of the reticuloendothelial system (correct)

    Correct. Phagocytic Kupffer cells in normal liver take up the particles.

  • D. Hepatocytes through the OATP transporter

    Hepatocyte uptake through transporters is the mechanism of gadoxetate and not of iron oxide.

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, Kupffer cells of the reticuloendothelial system. SPIO particles are phagocytosed by Kupffer cells in normal liver, and their strong susceptibility effect shortens T2 and darkens the parenchyma.

Why is "Hepatic stellate cells" not the answer?

Stellate cells store vitamin A and do not phagocytose the agent.

Why is "Bile duct epithelium" not the answer?

Bile duct epithelium does not take up SPIO particles.

Why is "Hepatocytes through the OATP transporter" not the answer?

Hepatocyte uptake through transporters is the mechanism of gadoxetate and not of iron oxide.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Imaging modalities and physics: SPIO liver contrast in Radiology. Lesions without Kupffer cells, such as metastases, keep their signal and stand out.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: SPIO liver contrast?

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.