Neuroimaging: vestibular schwannoma: 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: vestibular schwannoma

Sample item

A patient with progressive unilateral sensorineural hearing loss has MRI showing an enhancing mass in the cerebellopontine angle extending into the internal acoustic meatus. What is the likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma)

A vestibular schwannoma appears as an ice-cream cone shape, with the intracanalicular part as the cone and the cisternal part as the scoop, and enlarges the internal auditory canal. Bilateral tumours are the hallmark of NF2. Contrast MRI is the investigation of choice.

Option by option

  • A. Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) (correct)

    Correct. A CP angle mass entering the internal meatus is a vestibular schwannoma.

  • B. Epidermoid cyst

    An epidermoid is non-enhancing and shows restricted diffusion.

  • C. Pituitary macroadenoma

    A pituitary adenoma is a sellar lesion.

  • D. Meningioma at the clivus

    A meningioma has a broad dural base and does not usually expand the canal.

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, Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). A vestibular schwannoma appears as an ice-cream cone shape, with the intracanalicular part as the cone and the cisternal part as the scoop, and enlarges the internal auditory canal.

Why is "Epidermoid cyst" not the answer?

An epidermoid is non-enhancing and shows restricted diffusion.

Why is "Pituitary macroadenoma" not the answer?

A pituitary adenoma is a sellar lesion.

Why is "Meningioma at the clivus" not the answer?

A meningioma has a broad dural base and does not usually expand the canal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroimaging: vestibular schwannoma in Radiology. Bilateral tumours are the hallmark of NF2. Contrast MRI is the investigation of choice.

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: vestibular schwannoma?

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.