Neuroimaging: glioblastoma: 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: glioblastoma

Sample item

MRI of a 60-year-old with headaches shows an irregular ring-enhancing mass with central necrosis that crosses the corpus callosum, forming a butterfly pattern. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the commonest primary malignant brain tumour in adults, with thick irregular enhancing margins, central necrosis and extensive vasogenic oedema. Spread across the corpus callosum gives a butterfly appearance. Abscess has a thin, smooth wall with restricted diffusion centrally.

Option by option

  • A. Glioblastoma (correct)

    Correct. A butterfly lesion with necrosis suggests GBM.

  • B. Brain abscess

    An abscess has a thin wall and central restricted diffusion.

  • C. Meningioma

    Meningioma is extra-axial and homogeneously enhancing.

  • D. Pituitary adenoma

    Pituitary adenoma is in the sella.

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, Glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is the commonest primary malignant brain tumour in adults, with thick irregular enhancing margins, central necrosis and extensive vasogenic oedema.

Why is "Brain abscess" not the answer?

An abscess has a thin wall and central restricted diffusion.

Why is "Meningioma" not the answer?

Meningioma is extra-axial and homogeneously enhancing.

Why is "Pituitary adenoma" not the answer?

Pituitary adenoma is in the sella.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroimaging: glioblastoma in Radiology. Spread across the corpus callosum gives a butterfly appearance. Abscess has a thin, smooth wall with restricted diffusion centrally.

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: glioblastoma?

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.