MRI: sequence identification: 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 · MRI: sequence identification

Sample item

A brain MRI shows periventricular hyperintense lesions on T2 with the CSF signal suppressed so that the ventricles are dark. Which sequence is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. T2 FLAIR

Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery is a T2-weighted sequence with an inversion pulse that nulls free CSF. It makes periventricular and cortical lesions, as in multiple sclerosis, easier to detect. DWI shows restricted diffusion and GRE shows susceptibility.

Option by option

  • A. T1 with gadolinium

    T1 with gadolinium shows enhancement and not CSF nulling on a T2 background.

  • B. Diffusion weighted imaging

    DWI is used for acute infarction and does not null CSF in this manner.

  • C. T2 FLAIR (correct)

    Correct. FLAIR nulls CSF while keeping lesions bright.

  • D. Gradient echo

    Gradient echo is sensitive to blood products and calcification.

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 C, T2 FLAIR. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery is a T2-weighted sequence with an inversion pulse that nulls free CSF.

Why is "T1 with gadolinium" not the answer?

T1 with gadolinium shows enhancement and not CSF nulling on a T2 background.

Why is "Diffusion weighted imaging" not the answer?

DWI is used for acute infarction and does not null CSF in this manner.

Why is "Gradient echo" not the answer?

Gradient echo is sensitive to blood products and calcification.

What concept does this question test?

It tests MRI: sequence identification in Radiology. It makes periventricular and cortical lesions, as in multiple sclerosis, easier to detect. DWI shows restricted diffusion and GRE shows susceptibility.

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 MRI: sequence identification?

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.