Neuroimaging: bilateral basal ganglia calcification: 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: bilateral basal ganglia calcification

Sample item

A CT head shows dense symmetrical calcification of the basal ganglia and dentate nuclei in a patient with tetany and low serum calcium. Which cause is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Hypoparathyroidism

Chronic hypocalcaemia from hypoparathyroidism leads to symmetrical deposits of calcium in the basal ganglia, dentate nuclei and thalami. The deposits are dense on CT and can cause movement disorders.

Option by option

  • A. Hypoparathyroidism (correct)

    Correct. Chronic low calcium from hypoparathyroidism produces symmetrical calcification.

  • B. Carbon monoxide poisoning

    Carbon monoxide causes necrosis of the globus pallidus, seen as low density rather than calcification.

  • C. Wilson disease

    Wilson disease shows T2 hyperintensity in the putamen and thalamus, not dense calcification.

  • D. Kernicterus

    Kernicterus causes bilirubin staining of the globus pallidus in neonates, seen on MRI.

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, Hypoparathyroidism. Chronic hypocalcaemia from hypoparathyroidism leads to symmetrical deposits of calcium in the basal ganglia, dentate nuclei and thalami.

Why is "Carbon monoxide poisoning" not the answer?

Carbon monoxide causes necrosis of the globus pallidus, seen as low density rather than calcification.

Why is "Wilson disease" not the answer?

Wilson disease shows T2 hyperintensity in the putamen and thalamus, not dense calcification.

Why is "Kernicterus" not the answer?

Kernicterus causes bilirubin staining of the globus pallidus in neonates, seen on MRI.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroimaging: bilateral basal ganglia calcification in Radiology. The deposits are dense on CT and can cause movement disorders.

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: bilateral basal ganglia calcification?

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.