MRI: sequences for haemorrhage: 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: sequences for haemorrhage

Sample item

In a patient suspected to have cerebral microbleeds from hypertension, which MRI sequence is the most sensitive for detecting them?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Gradient echo or susceptibility weighted imaging

Gradient echo and SWI are sensitive to local field inhomogeneity from deoxyhaemoglobin and haemosiderin. They show small foci of signal loss (blooming). Spin echo sequences are comparatively insensitive.

Option by option

  • A. STIR

    STIR is used for fat suppression.

  • B. Gradient echo or susceptibility weighted imaging (correct)

    Correct. GRE and SWI exploit susceptibility effects of blood products.

  • C. T1 spin echo

    T1 spin echo is insensitive to chronic microhaemorrhages.

  • D. Proton density

    Proton density does not highlight susceptibility.

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 B, Gradient echo or susceptibility weighted imaging. Gradient echo and SWI are sensitive to local field inhomogeneity from deoxyhaemoglobin and haemosiderin.

Why is "STIR" not the answer?

STIR is used for fat suppression.

Why is "T1 spin echo" not the answer?

T1 spin echo is insensitive to chronic microhaemorrhages.

Why is "Proton density" not the answer?

Proton density does not highlight susceptibility.

What concept does this question test?

It tests MRI: sequences for haemorrhage in Radiology. They show small foci of signal loss (blooming). Spin echo sequences are comparatively insensitive.

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 MRI: sequences for haemorrhage?

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.