Neuroimaging: pilocytic astrocytoma: 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 · Neuroimaging: pilocytic astrocytoma

Sample item

An 8-year-old with an unsteady gait has a large cerebellar hemispheric cystic mass on MRI containing an avidly enhancing mural nodule. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Pilocytic astrocytoma

The cyst with a mural nodule is the classic pattern for pilocytic astrocytoma, a WHO grade 1 tumour with an excellent prognosis after complete resection. Haemangioblastoma gives a similar appearance but arises in adults, often with von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Option by option

  • A. Ependymoma

    Ependymoma lies in the fourth ventricle with calcification and extension through the foramina.

  • B. Medulloblastoma

    Medulloblastoma is a solid, midline vermian mass with restricted diffusion.

  • C. Haemangioblastoma

    Haemangioblastoma mimics the picture but occurs in adults and is linked to von Hippel-Lindau disease.

  • D. Pilocytic astrocytoma (correct)

    Correct. A paediatric cerebellar cyst with an enhancing nodule is typical.

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 D, Pilocytic astrocytoma. The cyst with a mural nodule is the classic pattern for pilocytic astrocytoma, a WHO grade 1 tumour with an excellent prognosis after complete resection.

Why is "Ependymoma" not the answer?

Ependymoma lies in the fourth ventricle with calcification and extension through the foramina.

Why is "Medulloblastoma" not the answer?

Medulloblastoma is a solid, midline vermian mass with restricted diffusion.

Why is "Haemangioblastoma" not the answer?

Haemangioblastoma mimics the picture but occurs in adults and is linked to von Hippel-Lindau disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroimaging: pilocytic astrocytoma in Radiology. Haemangioblastoma gives a similar appearance but arises in adults, often with von Hippel-Lindau disease.

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: pilocytic astrocytoma?

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.