Neuroimaging: central neurocytoma: 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: central neurocytoma

Sample item

A 26-year-old has headache and obstructive hydrocephalus. MRI shows a lobulated, multicystic intraventricular mass attached to the septum pellucidum near the foramen of Monro, with calcification and mild to moderate enhancement. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Central neurocytoma

Central neurocytoma is a benign neuronal tumour of young adults, situated in the lateral ventricle at the septum. A bubbly or Swiss cheese appearance with calcification and hydrocephalus is typical.

Option by option

  • A. Central neurocytoma (correct)

    Correct. A cystic, calcified septal mass in a young adult is typical of central neurocytoma.

  • B. Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma

    SEGA occurs in tuberous sclerosis, with other tubers and subependymal nodules.

  • C. Colloid cyst

    A colloid cyst is a small, round, hyperdense non-enhancing mass at the foramen of Monro.

  • D. Choroid plexus papilloma

    A choroid plexus papilloma is a frond-like avidly enhancing mass, mostly in children.

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 A, Central neurocytoma. Central neurocytoma is a benign neuronal tumour of young adults, situated in the lateral ventricle at the septum.

Why is "Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma" not the answer?

SEGA occurs in tuberous sclerosis, with other tubers and subependymal nodules.

Why is "Colloid cyst" not the answer?

A colloid cyst is a small, round, hyperdense non-enhancing mass at the foramen of Monro.

Why is "Choroid plexus papilloma" not the answer?

A choroid plexus papilloma is a frond-like avidly enhancing mass, mostly in children.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroimaging: central neurocytoma in Radiology. A bubbly or Swiss cheese appearance with calcification and hydrocephalus is typical.

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 Neuroimaging: central neurocytoma?

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.