Cerebrovascular Disease USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 28-week premature infant presents on day 2 of life with seizures, a bulging anterior fontanelle, and recurrent apneic episodes. Vital signs show HR 165 bpm, RR 48/min, BP 45/28 mmHg, and temperature 36.8°C. Cranial ultrasound demonstrates intraventricular hemorrhage with blood layering dependently within the lateral ventricles. The infant has received no prior medications. There is no evidence of meningitis on clinical examination. Which anatomical structure is the most likely source of this hemorrhage?
Answer choices
- AGerminal matrix in the subventricular zoneCorrect answer
- BChoroid plexus papilloma
- CMiddle meningeal artery
- DBridging veins
- ESuperior sagittal sinus
- FAnterior choroid artery
See the full explanation
Get the correct-answer rationale, why each distractor is wrong, the underlying mechanism, and high-yield associations — plus adaptive practice that targets your weak areas — with a free MedBoardPRO account.