American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the significance of the term 'dural tail' in MRI findings for brain tumors?

1. Indicates a benign tumor

2. Suggests meningioma presence

3. Reflects hemorrhagic changes

4. Indicates brain edema

The correct answer is: Suggests meningioma presence

The term 'dural tail' in MRI findings is particularly significant as it is often associated with meningiomas, which are tumors that arise from the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. A dural tail describes a specific appearance where there is a smooth, tapering, and sometimes highlights an area of thickening of the dura mater adjacent to the tumor. This appearance can be seen as an enhancement on the MRI images, indicating that the tumor is closely adherent to the dura, often leading to a characteristic finding in cases of meningiomas. While the other options describe various aspects of brain pathology, they do not pertain to the unique association that the dural tail has with meningiomas. For instance, while benign tumors can exhibit different imaging characteristics, the presence of a dural tail is not solely indicative of benignity. Hemorrhagic changes might suggest different types of pathology and thus do not correlate with the specific term in focus. Brain edema can be observed with many types of lesions and conditions, but it does not specifically relate to the concept of a dural tail that is prominently noted in the context of meningiomas. Therefore, the correct association with the term 'dural tail' and its