Neuropathology Practice Questions

Q: Which CNS tumor is typically associated with calcification?

Oligodendroglioma. **Explanation:** **Oligodendroglioma** is the correct answer because it is the most common CNS tumor to exhibit calcification, occurring in approximately **70–90% of cases**. These tumors typically arise in the frontal lobes of adults. On CT scans, the calcification often appears in a "clumped" or "punctate" pattern. Histologically, these tumors are characterized by a "fried-egg appearance" (perinuclear halos) and a "chicken-wire" vascular pattern. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Astrocytoma:** While some high-grade astrocytomas or specific subtypes (like Pilocytic Astrocytoma) may show occasional calcification (approx. 10–20%), it is not a hallmark feature compared to Oligodendroglioma. * **Medulloblastoma:** This is a highly cellular primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) typically found in the posterior fossa of children. It rarely shows calcification and is better known for "Homer-Wright rosettes" and rapid CSF spread. * **Pheochromocytoma:** This is a catecholamine-secreting tumor of the adrenal medulla, not a primary CNS tumor. While it may be part of syndromes like Von Hippel-Lindau (which involves CNS hemangioblastomas), it is anatomically and pathologically irrelevant to primary CNS calcification. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Mnemonic for Calcified CNS Lesions:** "Old Men Play Cricket" (**O**ligodendroglioma, **M**eningioma, **P**apillary Craniopharyngioma, **C**hordoma). * **Genetic Marker:** 1p/19q co-deletion is pathognomonic for Oligodendroglioma and indicates a better prognosis and response to chemotherapy. * **Craniopharyngioma:** In the pediatric population, this is the most common suprasellar tumor to show calcification (90% of cases).

Question 1

Which CNS tumor is typically associated with calcification?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendroglioma

Answer

Astrocytoma

Answer

Medulloblastoma

Answer

Pheochromocytoma

Question 2

A 15-year-old boy complains of right-sided weakness and gait impairment. A CT scan shows a large, non-enhancing cyst in the posterior cranial fossa, with an enhancing tumor nodule in the left cerebellum. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

A cystic astrocytoma

Answer

An arachnoid cyst

Answer

Rathke's cleft cyst

Answer

Glioblastoma multiforme

Question 3

Which of the following are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Extracellular Beta Amyloid Plaques

Answer

Intercellular Lewy Bodies

Answer

Intracellular Pick's Bodies

Answer

Extracellular Neurofibrillary Tangles

Question 4

All of the following are true about medulloblastoma except?

Accepted Answer

The most common site is the cerebellum.

Answer

It is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in childhood.

Answer

Isochromosome 17q indicates poor prognosis.

Answer

The tumor is highly radiosensitive.

Question 5

In Alzheimer's disease, which of the following locations has the most common lesions?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus of Meynert

Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Pineal gland

Answer

Prefrontal sulcus

Neuropathology — MCQs

Neuropathology — MCQs

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