CT: HRCT technique: 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 · CT: HRCT technique

Sample item

A patient with suspected interstitial lung disease is sent for HRCT chest. Which technical feature defines this study?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Thin sections (about 1 mm) with a high-spatial-frequency reconstruction algorithm

HRCT uses 1 to 1.5 mm slices and a sharp (bone or lung) algorithm to show secondary pulmonary lobule detail. Contrast is not needed for parenchymal disease. Prone images help to separate dependent atelectasis from true basal fibrosis.

Option by option

  • A. Thin sections (about 1 mm) with a high-spatial-frequency reconstruction algorithm (correct)

    Correct. Thin slices with a sharp algorithm make HRCT.

  • B. Prone positioning only without inspiratory images

    Supine inspiratory images are standard, with prone images as an adjunct.

  • C. Intravenous contrast in the arterial phase

    IV contrast is not routine in HRCT for interstitial disease.

  • D. Thick 10 mm sections with soft tissue algorithm

    Thick slices and a smooth algorithm lose fine parenchymal detail.

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, Thin sections (about 1 mm) with a high-spatial-frequency reconstruction algorithm. HRCT uses 1 to 1.

Why is "Prone positioning only without inspiratory images" not the answer?

Supine inspiratory images are standard, with prone images as an adjunct.

Why is "Intravenous contrast in the arterial phase" not the answer?

IV contrast is not routine in HRCT for interstitial disease.

Why is "Thick 10 mm sections with soft tissue algorithm" not the answer?

Thick slices and a smooth algorithm lose fine parenchymal detail.

What concept does this question test?

It tests CT: HRCT technique in Radiology. 5 mm slices and a sharp (bone or lung) algorithm to show secondary pulmonary lobule detail. Contrast is not needed for parenchymal disease. Prone images help to separate dependent atelectasis from true basal fibrosis.

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 CT: HRCT technique?

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.