Abdominal and Pelvic Radiology Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following imaging modalities is NOT included in the PI-RADS reporting scheme for prostate glands?

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The **PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System)** is a standardized scheme used to evaluate and report multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the prostate for suspected malignancy. ### **Explanation of the Correct Answer** **Option A (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy):** In the current version of PI-RADS (v2.1), **MR Spectroscopy is NOT included**. While it was part of the original PI-RADS v1, it was removed because it is technically demanding, time-consuming, and did not significantly improve diagnostic accuracy compared to the core sequences. ### **Explanation of Incorrect Options** The PI-RADS v2.1 assessment is based on three core components of **Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)**: * **Option D (T2-weighted imaging):** This is the anatomical backbone of the exam. It is the **dominant sequence** for evaluating the **Transition Zone (TZ)**. * **Option C (Diffusion-weighted MRI - DWI):** This assesses water molecule movement (cellularity). It is the **dominant sequence** for evaluating the **Peripheral Zone (PZ)**. * **Option B (Dynamic contrast enhancement - DCE):** This evaluates the vascularity of the lesion. It is used as a "tie-breaker" in the peripheral zone to upgrade a PI-RADS 3 lesion to a PI-RADS 4. ### **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG** * **Dominant Sequences:** Remember **PZ = DWI** and **TZ = T2W**. * **Scoring:** PI-RADS scores range from **1 (Very low risk)** to **5 (Very high risk)** of clinically significant prostate cancer. * **Anatomy:** Most prostate cancers (70-75%) occur in the **Peripheral Zone**. * **Biparametric MRI:** A newer trend that uses only T2W and DWI (omitting contrast/DCE) to save time and cost.

Q: What is the spot diagnosis for the given image/description? (The HSG demonstrates two divergent uterine cavities; coronal MRI or 3D ultrasound additionally confirms a deep external fundal cleft >1 cm.)

Bicornuate uterus. ***Bicornuate uterus*** - Shows classic **heart-shaped external contour** with a **fundal cleft >1cm** and **intercornual angle >105°** on imaging - **HSG** demonstrates two separate uterine horns with **divergent lateral walls** and **MRI or 3D ultrasound** confirms external fundal indentation/cleft **>1 cm**, definitively supporting bicornuate uterus; note that **HSG alone cannot definitively distinguish bicornuate from septate uterus** as it does not demonstrate the external fundal contour — coronal MRI or 3D ultrasound showing a deep external fundal cleft >1 cm is required for definitive diagnosis *Unicornuate uterus* - Appears as a **single horn** with **banana-shaped** or **comma-shaped** configuration on imaging - Associated with **renal agenesis** on the same side and **rudimentary horn** may be present *Arcuate uterus* - Shows a **shallow, broad internal fundal indentation** with a **normal external contour** on imaging - **Intercornual angle <105°** and considered a **mild variant** with minimal clinical significance *Septate uterus* - Demonstrates **normal external uterine contour** with **internal septum** dividing the cavity - **MRI** shows the **septum and normal external contour** and **intercornual angle <75°** differentiating from bicornuate

Q: What is the investigation of choice to detect a 4 mm nodule in the pancreas?

Endoscopic USG. **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)**. **Why EUS is the Investigation of Choice:** The pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ, making it difficult to visualize small lesions via transabdominal ultrasound due to overlying bowel gas. EUS involves placing a high-frequency transducer in the stomach or duodenum, directly adjacent to the pancreas. This proximity allows for the use of high-frequency sound waves, providing **superior spatial resolution**. EUS is currently the most sensitive modality for detecting small pancreatic lesions (<2 cm), with a sensitivity exceeding 90-95%, whereas CT and MRI often miss nodules smaller than 1 cm. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **PET Scan:** While useful for detecting metabolic activity and distant metastasis, PET has poor spatial resolution and is not indicated for the primary detection of tiny anatomical nodules. * **CECT (Contrast-Enhanced CT):** This is the "gold standard" for staging and assessing resectability of pancreatic cancer, but its sensitivity drops significantly for lesions smaller than 10 mm. * **MRI/MRCP:** Excellent for characterizing ductal anatomy and cystic lesions, but it remains less sensitive than EUS for detecting solid nodules in the 4–5 mm range. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **EUS-FNA:** EUS not only detects the nodule but also allows for **Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)** for cytological confirmation, making it the most accurate diagnostic tool. * **Insulinomas:** For small, occult neuroendocrine tumors (like insulinomas) not seen on CT, EUS is the investigation of choice. * **Double Duct Sign:** On imaging, the simultaneous dilatation of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct suggests a lesion in the head of the pancreas or ampulla.

Q: Which of the following conditions is characterized by a trifoliate appearance?

Peptic ulcer. **Explanation:** The **trifoliate appearance** (also known as the **clover-leaf deformity**) is a classic radiological sign seen on a Barium meal study in patients with **chronic duodenal ulcers**. This appearance occurs due to the healing and cicatrization of a chronic ulcer in the duodenal bulb. The "leaves" of the clover are formed by the central ulcer crater (niche) surrounded by three components: the pre-stenotic outpouching, the post-stenotic outpouching, and the contraction of the bulb itself. **Analysis of Options:** * **A. CHPS (Congenital Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis):** Characterized by the **"String sign"** (narrowed pyloric canal), **"Beak sign,"** and **"Mushroom sign"** on Barium studies. * **B. Achalasia Cardia:** Classically presents with a **"Bird’s beak"** or **"Rat-tail"** appearance of the distal esophagus due to failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. * **D. Pneumoperitoneum:** Characterized by the **"Gas under the diaphragm"** sign on an erect X-ray or the **"Rigler sign"** (gas on both sides of the bowel wall) on a supine film. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Duodenal Ulcer:** Most common site is the first part of the duodenum (duodenal bulb). * **Giant Duodenal Ulcer:** Defined as an ulcer >2 cm; it can mimic the entire duodenal bulb on imaging. * **Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome:** Suspect if ulcers are multiple, distal to the duodenal bulb, or refractory to treatment. * **Barium Meal Contraindication:** Never perform a Barium study if perforation is suspected (use water-soluble contrast like Gastrografin instead).

Q: A 72-year-old man presents with increasing dyspepsia and weight loss. His physical examination is unremarkable. A barium meal is performed. The oesophagus is normal, but a 'bull's eye' lesion is noted in the gastric mucosa. Which one of the following is not a recognised cause of this appearance?

Magenstrasse. ### Explanation The **'bull’s eye' lesion** (also known as a **target lesion**) on a barium meal refers to a central collection of barium (representing an ulcer or umbilication) surrounded by a radiolucent halo (representing a mass or elevated mucosal rim). #### Why Magenstrasse is the Correct Answer **Magenstrasse** (German for "stomach road") is a normal anatomical variant. It refers to the longitudinal mucosal folds along the **lesser curvature** of the stomach that form a physiological channel for the passage of liquids. It is a normal finding and does **not** produce a target or bull's eye appearance. #### Analysis of Incorrect Options (Causes of Bull's Eye Lesion) * **Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST):** These are intramural mesenchymal tumours that often undergo central necrosis or pressure necrosis of the overlying mucosa, leading to a central ulceration on a subepithelial mass. * **Melanoma Metastases:** Melanoma is the most common source of hematogenous metastases to the GI tract. These typically present as multiple submucosal nodules with central ulceration, creating the classic "target" appearance. * **Gastric Carcinoma:** While less common than GIST or metastases, a necrotic polypoid adenocarcinoma or a primary gastric lymphoma can present with central ulceration mimicking a bull's eye. #### NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls * **Differential Diagnosis for Bull’s Eye Lesion:** 1. **Metastases:** Melanoma (most common), Breast, Lung. 2. **Subepithelial Tumours:** GIST, Leiomyoma, Neurofibroma. 3. **Inflammatory:** Eosinophilic granuloma, Kaposi sarcoma (in HIV patients). * **Magenstrasse** is significant because it is the site where most gastric ulcers occur, but it is not a "lesion" itself. * **Barium Meal Tip:** A "double-contoured" appearance or "target sign" always suggests a central ulceration within a mass.

Q: A 5-year-old child presents with gas under the diaphragm. What is the most likely diagnosis?

All of the above. **Explanation:** The presence of **gas under the diaphragm** on an erect X-ray is the hallmark sign of **pneumoperitoneum** (free intraperitoneal air). In a pediatric patient, this finding can result from various pathological, anatomical, or procedural causes. 1. **Enteric Fever (Typhoid):** This is a common cause of secondary peritonitis in children in developing countries. *Salmonella typhi* causes hyperplasia and subsequent necrosis of Peyer's patches in the terminal ileum, leading to **intestinal perforation**, typically in the second or third week of illness. 2. **Chilaiditi’s Syndrome:** This is a "pseudopneumoperitoneum." It occurs when a loop of colon (usually the hepatic flexure) is transposed between the liver and the right hemidiaphragm. On X-ray, it mimics gas under the diaphragm, but can be distinguished by the presence of **haustral markings** within the gas shadow. 3. **Iatrogenic Pneumoperitoneum:** This refers to air introduced during medical interventions, such as recent abdominal surgery, laparoscopy, or even aggressive mechanical ventilation (leading to air tracking from the thorax). **Why "All of the above" is correct:** All three conditions can present with the radiographic appearance of air (or apparent air) beneath the diaphragm. In a clinical exam setting, unless specific symptoms (like fever or recent surgery) are provided, all these etiologies remain differential diagnoses. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most sensitive view for pneumoperitoneum:** Left lateral decubitus (can detect as little as 1-2 ml of air). * **Rigler’s Sign:** Seeing both sides of the bowel wall due to free intraperitoneal air. * **Football Sign:** A large collection of air outlining the entire peritoneal cavity (common in neonatal bowel perforation). * **Cupola Sign:** Air trapped under the central tendon of the diaphragm.

Q: Omental caking on CT scan suggests a high possibility of which of the following conditions?

Ovarian tumor. **Explanation:** **Omental Caking** is a classic radiological sign characterized by the infiltration of the greater omentum by solid soft-tissue masses, replacing the normal low-attenuation omental fat. On a CT scan, this appears as a thickened, nodular, or pancake-like soft tissue layer between the anterior abdominal wall and the bowel loops. **Why Ovarian Tumor is the Correct Answer:** The most common cause of omental caking is **peritoneal carcinomatosis**. Among all malignancies, **epithelial ovarian cancer** (especially serous cystadenocarcinoma) is the most frequent cause. This occurs because ovarian cancer cells shed directly into the peritoneal cavity and follow the natural flow of peritoneal fluid, eventually seeding and proliferating on the omentum. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A, B, and C (Colon, Pancreas, and Stomach Carcinoma):** While these gastrointestinal malignancies can lead to peritoneal seeding and omental involvement, they are statistically less common causes of a classic "omental cake" compared to ovarian cancer. These tumors more frequently present with localized nodal spread or hematogenous metastasis (e.g., to the liver) before extensive peritoneal thickening occurs. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Differential Diagnosis:** Apart from ovarian cancer, omental caking can also be seen in **Tuberculous Peritonitis** (look for high-adenosine deaminase levels and "wet" vs. "dry" patterns) and **Lymphoma**. * **Imaging Feature:** On CT, look for the "Smudged Fat" sign, which is an early precursor to a full omental cake. * **Management:** In the context of ovarian cancer, the presence of omental caking often necessitates an **omentectomy** as part of cytoreductive surgery. * **Psammoma Bodies:** If the primary is a serous ovarian tumor, the omental cake may show fine, sand-like calcifications on CT.

Q: The CT severity index in acute pancreatitis is described by which scoring system?

Balthazar. **Explanation:** The **Balthazar Score** (CT Severity Index - CTSI) is the gold standard for assessing the severity of acute pancreatitis using contrast-enhanced CT. It combines two parameters to predict morbidity and mortality: 1. **Balthazar Grade (0–4 points):** Evaluates peripancreatic inflammation and fluid collections (Grades A to E). 2. **Pancreatic Necrosis (0–6 points):** Quantifies the percentage of non-enhancing pancreatic parenchyma. A total score of 7–10 indicates severe disease with a high risk of complications and mortality. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **B. Mengini:** Refers to the **Menghini technique**, which is a "one-second" needle biopsy method used primarily for liver biopsies. * **C. Chapman:** There is no standard "Chapman" scoring system in radiology; however, Chapman’s points are used in osteopathic medicine to denote viscerosomatic reflexes. * **D. Napelon:** This is a distractor and does not correspond to any recognized medical classification or scoring system. **High-Yield Facts for NEET-PG:** * **Modified CTSI (Mortele et al.):** An updated version that includes extrapancreatic complications (e.g., pleural effusion, ascites, vascular complications) and simplifies necrosis assessment. * **Timing:** CT is most accurate for assessing necrosis **72–96 hours** after the onset of symptoms. * **Balthazar Grade E:** Defined by the presence of two or more fluid collections or gas within the pancreas/retroperitoneum. * **Clinical Correlation:** While CTSI assesses local complications, the **Ranson Criteria** or **APACHE II** scores are used for clinical/systemic severity.

Q: What is the investigation of choice (IOC) for polycystic kidney disease?

Ultrasound (USG). **Explanation:** **1. Why Ultrasound (USG) is the Correct Choice:** Ultrasound is the **Investigation of Choice (IOC)** and the primary screening tool for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), particularly Autosomal Dominant PKD (ADPKD). It is preferred because it is non-invasive, cost-effective, widely available, and involves **no ionizing radiation**—which is crucial since patients require lifelong monitoring. The diagnosis is based on the **Ravine Criteria** (modified as Pei-Levy criteria), which uses the number of cysts relative to the patient's age to confirm the diagnosis. **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **MRI:** While MRI is the most *sensitive* modality for detecting very small cysts (<2mm) and is the gold standard for measuring **Total Kidney Volume (TKV)** to predict disease progression, it is not the initial IOC due to high cost and limited accessibility. * **CECT:** CECT provides excellent anatomical detail but is not preferred for routine diagnosis due to radiation exposure and the risk of **Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN)** in patients who may already have declining renal function. * **IVU:** This is an outdated modality. While it may show a "Swiss Cheese" appearance or "Spider Leg" deformity of the calyces, it has been entirely replaced by cross-sectional imaging. **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **ADPKD:** Associated with **PKD1** (Chr 16 - more severe) and **PKD2** (Chr 4) mutations. * **Extra-renal manifestations:** Most common is **Liver cysts**; most serious is **Berry Aneurysm** (Circle of Willis). * **ARPKD:** Presents in infancy with bilateral enlarged echogenic kidneys and is associated with **Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis**. * **Imaging Sign:** On USG, ADPKD shows large kidneys with multiple bilateral cysts of varying sizes. On IVU, it shows the **"Swiss Cheese" appearance**.

Question 1

Which of the following imaging modalities is NOT included in the PI-RADS reporting scheme for prostate glands?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Answer

Dynamic contrast enhancement

Answer

Diffusion-weighted MRI

Answer

T2-weighted imaging

Question 2

What is the spot diagnosis for the given image/description? (The HSG demonstrates two divergent uterine cavities; coronal MRI or 3D ultrasound additionally confirms a deep external fundal cleft >1 cm.)

Accepted Answer

Bicornuate uterus

Answer

Septate uterus

Answer

Arcuate uterus

Answer

Unicornuate uterus

Question 3

What is the investigation of choice to detect a 4 mm nodule in the pancreas?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopic USG

Answer

PET scan

Answer

CECT

Answer

MRI

Question 4

Which of the following conditions is characterized by a trifoliate appearance?

Accepted Answer

Peptic ulcer

Answer

CHPS

Answer

Achalasia

Answer

Pneumoperitoneum

Question 5

A 72-year-old man presents with increasing dyspepsia and weight loss. His physical examination is unremarkable. A barium meal is performed. The oesophagus is normal, but a 'bull's eye' lesion is noted in the gastric mucosa. Which one of the following is not a recognised cause of this appearance?

Accepted Answer

Magenstrasse

Answer

Gastric carcinoma

Answer

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST)

Answer

Melanoma metastases

Question 6

A 5-year-old child presents with gas under the diaphragm. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Enteric fever with intestinal perforation

Answer

Chilaiditi's syndrome

Answer

Iatrogenic pneumoperitoneum

Question 7

A 13-year-old boy presents with pain in the lower right tooth region with no remarkable medical history. On intraoral examination, tooth 85 was found to be carious and did not respond to EPT; tooth 85 is retained due to the absence of its permanent successor. Radiographs show changes in the apical region. Histopathology of the lesion reveals a cyst lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. What is the most probable diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Radicular cyst

Answer

Lateral periodontal cyst

Answer

Odontogenic keratocyst

Answer

Apical granuloma

Question 8

Omental caking on CT scan suggests a high possibility of which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Ovarian tumor

Answer

Carcinoma of the colon

Answer

Carcinoma of the pancreas

Answer

Carcinoma of the stomach

Question 9

The CT severity index in acute pancreatitis is described by which scoring system?

Accepted Answer

Balthazar

Answer

Mengini

Answer

Chapman

Answer

Napelon

Question 10

What is the investigation of choice (IOC) for polycystic kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound (USG)

Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer

Intravenous Urography (IVU)

Answer

Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT)

Abdominal and Pelvic Radiology — MCQs

Abdominal and Pelvic Radiology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?