Radiology Board Review Quiz

Landzert.

Degenerative causes include herniated discs, synovial cysts, osteophytes, and rheumatoid pannus, which often present with localized pain and possible radiculopathy. Nondegenerative causes include metastasis, abscess, hematoma, primary tumor expansion or invasion, and epidural lipomatosis. Key diagnostic features include MRI showing displacement of the thecal sac without intramedullary involvement. Clinical pearls: Metastasis often presents with vertebral body involvement, while abscesses may show rim enhancement. Common pitfalls include confusing epidural lipomatosis with simple obesity-related changes.

Takayasu arteritis. Long segment, smooth narrowing of abdominal aorta. May extend into branch vessels.

Duodenal obstruction. Increased susceptibility to pancreaatitis.

Chordoma typically presents as a destructive midline mass at the clivus with T2 hyperintensity and bone destruction on MRI. Chondrosarcoma often arises off-midline, especially in the petroclival region, and shows chondroid matrix calcification on CT. Osteogenic sarcoma may occur secondary to radiation or Paget's disease, presenting with aggressive bone-forming lesions. Be cautious of misdiagnosing these with benign notochordal remnants or enchondromas.

Craniopharyngiomas arise from squamous epithelial remnants of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and are the most common suprasellar mass in children. They typically present with a bimodal age distribution, peaking between 5-10 years and 50-60 years. On imaging, they often appear as large cystic sellar/suprasellar masses with an enhancing rim and calcifications, showing T1 hyperintense and T2 hyperintense cysts. Clinically, they may cause symptoms due to mass effect, such as headaches, visual disturbances, and hormonal imbalances. Key diagnostic features include the presence of both solid and cystic components with calcifications, which can help differentiate them from other suprasellar masses like pituitary adenomas or Rathke's cleft cysts.

Calcified parenchymal focus (Ghon lesion) and lymph nodel calcification. Primary TB.

Lateral pelivic recess (lateral paravesical recesses superior to bladder). Midline pouch of Douglas (posterior to bladder and anterior to rectosigmoid)

Cryptococcosis is the most common CNS fungal infection. It typically presents with leptomeningeal enhancement on MRI and may show dilated Virchow-Robin spaces. Clinically, it often affects immunocompromised patients, particularly those with HIV/AIDS. A common pitfall is mistaking its imaging features for other forms of meningitis or neoplastic processes.

Blunting, flattening, distortion, straightening, and thickening of mucosal folds.