Cardiovascular Radiology Practice Questions

Q: Boot shape of heart in TOF is due to:

Right ventricular hypertrophy. ***Right ventricular hypertrophy*** - The characteristic **boot-shaped heart (coeur en sabot)** seen in Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) on a chest X-ray is primarily due to **right ventricular hypertrophy** and the small pulmonary artery. - The hypertrophied right ventricle lifts the cardiac apex, while the concavity in the area of the pulmonary artery (due to **pulmonary stenosis**) gives the heart its distinctive shape. *Enlargement of the left atrium* - Left atrial enlargement is not a feature of **Tetralogy of Fallot**; in fact, chronic pulmonary outflow obstruction often leads to a relatively normal or small left atrium. - This condition involves right-sided heart abnormalities, and left atrial enlargement would suggest increased left-sided pressures, which are not typical for TOF. *Enlargement of the right atrium* - While right atrial enlargement can occur in severe cases of TOF due to increased resistance to blood flow, it is **right ventricular hypertrophy** that is the primary determinant of the classic boot-shaped cardiac silhouette. - Right atrial enlargement alone does not create the specific "boot" appearance which is largely due to the ventricular contour. *Hypertrophy of both ventricles* - In Tetralogy of Fallot, the primary ventricular abnormality is **right ventricular hypertrophy**, driven by the need to pump blood through a stenosed pulmonary artery. - The left ventricle typically maintains a normal size and function, as it primarily pumps into the systemic circulation and is not directly affected by the primary defects in the same way as the right ventricle.

Q: Which of the following conditions is the MOST COMMON cause of rib notching?

Coarctation of aorta. ***Coarctation of aorta*** - **Coarctation of the aorta** is the classic and **most common cause** of rib notching. - The notching is caused by the enlargement and tortuosity of the **intercostal arteries** as they provide collateral circulation to bypass the narrowed aorta. *Chronic superior venacava obstruction* - Chronic superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction may lead to the development of collateral circulation through the azygos and hemiazygos veins, but it does **not typically cause rib notching**. - Rib notching is specifically related to collateral flow bypassing an aortic obstruction, not a venous obstruction. *Atrial septal defect* - An **atrial septal defect (ASD)** is a communication between the atria that can lead to right heart volume overload and pulmonary hypertension. - While it's a congenital heart defect, an ASD does **not cause rib notching** as it does not involve an obstruction of systemic arterial flow requiring collateral circulation via the intercostal arteries. *Congenital interruption of aorta* - While **congenital interruption of the aorta** also involves an aortic obstruction, it is a **much rarer condition** than coarctation of the aorta. - Due to its rarity, it is not considered the most common cause of rib notching, even though it would theoretically lead to similar collateral vessel formation.

Q: Which of the following conditions is NOT associated with a flask-shaped heart?

TAPVC. ***TAPVC*** - **Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC)** is characterized by normal heart size or mild cardiomegaly, but not typically a flask-shaped heart. - The distinctive finding in TAPVC on chest X-ray is often a **"snowman" or "figure-of-8" sign** due to a large supracardiac venous confluence and dilated SVC, rather than a globally enlarged, flask-shaped silhouette. *Ebstein anomaly* - **Ebstein anomaly** involves apical displacement of the tricuspid valve, leading to massive right atrial enlargement and often severe tricuspid regurgitation. - The marked right atrial dilatation causes a very large, globular heart silhouette on chest X-ray, classically described as **flask-shaped** or **box-shaped heart**. *Pericardial effusion* - A significant **pericardial effusion** causes the heart shadow to appear enlarged and globular, with smooth borders and blunting of the cardiac waist. - This classic appearance is described as a **flask-shaped** or **"water-bottle heart"**, as the fluid accumulation distends the pericardial sac symmetrically. *Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)* - **ASD** with significant left-to-right shunt causes volume overload of the right atrium and right ventricle. - This leads to **cardiomegaly** with a globular, flask-shaped cardiac silhouette, increased pulmonary vascular markings (shunt vascularity), and prominent pulmonary artery segment.

Q: For pericardial calcifications, which is the best investigation?

CT scan. ***Correct: CT scan*** - **CT scans** are highly sensitive and specific for detecting **pericardial calcifications** due to their excellent spatial resolution and ability to measure calcium density (Hounsfield units). - They provide detailed anatomical information about the **pericardium** and can accurately map the extent, location, and thickness of calcified areas. - **CT is the gold standard** for detecting and quantifying pericardial calcification, particularly in constrictive pericarditis. *Incorrect: Ultrasound* - While ultrasound (echocardiography) can visualize the pericardium and may detect calcifications, its ability to definitively identify and characterize **calcifications** is limited compared to CT. - **Acoustic shadowing** from calcifications can obscure underlying structures, making a precise assessment challenging. - Useful for detecting pericardial effusion and thickening, but not optimal for calcification assessment. *Incorrect: MRI* - **MRI excels** in visualizing soft tissues, pericardial inflammation, and fluid collections, but it is **poor at detecting calcium**. - Calcifications typically appear as signal voids (black) on MRI, making it difficult to differentiate them from other structures, air, or motion artifacts. - MRI is valuable for assessing pericardial inflammation and constriction but not the preferred method for calcification. *Incorrect: Transesophageal echocardiography* - TEE offers high-resolution images of cardiac structures and is primarily used for assessing valve function, intracardiac masses, endocarditis, and aortic pathology. - Its utility in detecting and characterizing **pericardial calcifications** is limited compared to CT, especially for diffuse or subtle calcifications. - The pericardium is not optimally visualized with TEE compared to transthoracic echocardiography.

Q: The most accurate investigation for assessing ventricular function is:

MRI. ***MRI*** - Cardiac MRI is considered the **gold standard** for assessing ventricular function, providing highly accurate and reproducible measurements of **ventricular volumes**, **ejection fraction**, and **myocardial mass**. - It offers excellent tissue characterization, allowing for direct visualization of **fibrosis**, **inflammation**, and other myocardial pathologies that can affect function. *Multislice CT* - While useful for assessing cardiac anatomy, particularly **coronary arteries**, Multislice CT involves **ionizing radiation** and has limitations in accurately assessing subtle changes in myocardial function compared to MRI. - Its strength lies more in **anatomical evaluation** (e.g., calcium scoring, coronary angiography) rather than detailed functional assessment. *Echocardiography* - Echocardiography is a widely available and useful first-line imaging modality for ventricular function, but it can be limited by **acoustic windows**, **operator dependency**, and **spatial resolution** compared to MRI. - While it provides good estimates of ejection fraction, particularly in simple cases, its 3D capabilities and tissue characterization are generally inferior to MRI. *Nuclear scan* - Nuclear scans (e.g., MUGA scans, SPECT) can assess ventricular function and myocardial perfusion, but they involve **ionizing radiation** and primarily provide **functional information** based on tracer uptake, not detailed structural or tissue characterization. - They are often used for evaluating **perfusion defects** and overall ejection fraction, but are less precise for detailed chamber quantification and tissue characterization than MRI.

Q: Inferior rib notching is seen in which of the following conditions?

Coarctation of the aorta. ***Coarctation of the aorta*** - **Inferior rib notching** is a classic radiographic sign caused by the **enlarged, tortuous intercostal arteries** eroding the inferior margins of the ribs. - This collateral circulation develops to bypass the narrowed aortic segment, increasing blood flow through the intercostal arteries. *Rickets* - Rickets can cause **bowing of long bones**, widened epiphyseal plates, and a **rachitic rosary** (enlargement of costochondral junctions). - It does not typically lead to rib notching; rather, it affects bone mineralization and growth patterns. *ASD* - An **atrial septal defect (ASD)** is a congenital heart defect causing a left-to-right shunt, leading to pulmonary overload and right heart enlargement. - While it can manifest with cardiomegaly and increased pulmonary vascular markings, it does not cause rib notching. *Multiple myeloma* - Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy that causes **punched-out lytic lesions** in bones, leading to bone pain and pathological fractures. - While it affects bone, the lesions are typically osteolytic and diffuse, not specifically causing inferior rib notching.

Q: Investigation of choice for dysphagia lusoria is what?

CT angiography. ***CT angiography*** - **CT angiography** is the investigation of choice for **dysphagia lusoria** as it precisely visualizes the **aberrant subclavian artery** compressing the esophagus. - It provides detailed anatomical information about the aorta and its branches, confirming the vascular ring anomaly. *Barium swallow study* - A **barium swallow** can suggest dysphagia lusoria by showing an **indentation** on the posterior aspect of the esophagus, but it doesn't definitively identify the compressing vessel. - While helpful for initial evaluation of dysphagia, a barium swallow lacks the specificity to characterize the vascular anomaly. *Chest X-ray* - A **chest X-ray** is unlikely to identify dysphagia lusoria directly, although it might rarely show a widened mediastinum or an abnormal aortic knob. - It provides insufficient detail to visualize the aberrant subclavian artery or its relationship to the esophagus. *Esophageal motility study* - An **esophageal motility study** evaluates the function of the esophageal muscles and sphincters and would be normal in dysphagia lusoria. - This study is useful for conditions like achalasia or esophageal spasm, which are not the cause of dysphagia in this case.

Q: Inferior rib notching is seen in which condition?

Coarctation of aorta. ***Coarctation of aorta*** - In **aortic coarctation**, the **increased collateral circulation** through the intercostal arteries causes them to become engorged and pulsatile, leading to erosion on the undersurfaces of the ribs. - This characteristic radiological finding, known as **inferior rib notching**, typically becomes evident after the first year of life. *Marfan's syndrome* - Marfan's syndrome is a **connective tissue disorder** associated with cardiovascular abnormalities such as **aortic root dilatation** and dissection but does not directly cause rib notching. - Skeletal manifestations include **pectus excavatum** or carinatum and long, slender limbs, not rib erosion. *Rickets* - Rickets is a bone-softening disease in children due to **vitamin D deficiency**, leading to skeletal deformities like **bowed legs** and rachitic rosary. - It does not cause bone erosion or notching of the ribs; instead, it affects growth plates and bone mineralization. *SLE* - **Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)** is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, and lungs. - While SLE can cause serositis or arthritis, it is not associated with **inferior rib notching** as a primary manifestation.

Q: Characteristic radiographic appearance of aortitis is:

Dilation of arch of aorta. ***Dilation of arch of aorta*** - Aortitis, particularly in the context of **Takayasu arteritis** or **syphilitic aortitis**, frequently causes inflammation and weakening of the aortic wall, leading to **aneurysmal dilation**, most commonly in the aortic arch. - This dilation is often visible on imaging as an enlarged, expanded segment of the aorta. *Calcification of ascending aorta* - While calcification can occur in the aorta, **ascending aortic calcification** is more commonly associated with **atherosclerosis** and degenerative changes rather than active vessel inflammation characteristic of aortitis. - Aortitis primarily involves inflammation and remodeling of the vessel wall. *Calcification of descending aorta* - **Descending aortic calcification** is also predominantly a hallmark of **atherosclerotic disease**, which involves plaque formation and hardening of the arteries. - It does not specifically indicate active inflammation of the aortic wall as seen in aortitis. *Enlargement of left atrium* - **Left atrial enlargement** is typically a consequence of **mitral valve disease**, **left ventricular dysfunction**, or **hypertension**, which lead to increased pressure or volume overload in the left atrium. - It is not a direct or characteristic radiographic finding associated with aortitis.

Q: What is the imaging modality of choice for determining the etiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Four vessel DSA. ***Four vessel DSA*** - **Four-vessel Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)** is considered the gold standard for identifying the source of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). - It provides high-resolution images of the **cerebral vasculature**, enabling the detection of small aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, or other vascular lesions. *Non-contrast CT* - **Non-contrast CT** is the imaging modality of choice for the initial diagnosis of SAH itself. - However, it primarily identifies the presence of blood and its location, but is not as effective in determining the **underlying cause** of the hemorrhage in many cases. *CECT* - **Contrast-enhanced CT (CECT)** can help identify some vascular abnormalities by highlighting vessels, but its sensitivity for detecting small aneurysms or complex vascular lesions is lower than DSA. - It is often used as an alternative or supplementary study when DSA is not immediately available or contraindicated. *MRI* - **MRI** is highly sensitive for detecting intraparenchymal and subtle SAH in later stages but is less effective than CT for acute blood detection, especially within the first few hours. - While MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) can identify vascular lesions, its resolution and ability to detect smaller aneurysms are generally inferior to DSA.

Question 1

Boot shape of heart in TOF is due to:

Accepted Answer

Right ventricular hypertrophy

Answer

Enlargement of the left atrium

Answer

Enlargement of the right atrium

Answer

Hypertrophy of both ventricles

Question 2

Which of the following conditions is the MOST COMMON cause of rib notching?

Accepted Answer

Coarctation of aorta

Answer

Atrial septal defect

Answer

Chronic superior venacava obstruction

Answer

Congenital interruption of aorta

Question 3

Which of the following conditions is NOT associated with a flask-shaped heart?

Accepted Answer

TAPVC

Answer

Ebstein anomaly

Answer

Pericardial effusion

Answer

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Question 4

For pericardial calcifications, which is the best investigation?

Accepted Answer

CT scan

Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

MRI

Answer

Transesophageal echocardiography

Question 5

The most accurate investigation for assessing ventricular function is:

Accepted Answer

MRI

Answer

Multislice CT

Answer

Echocardiography

Answer

Nuclear scan

Question 6

Inferior rib notching is seen in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Coarctation of the aorta

Answer

Rickets

Answer

ASD

Answer

Multiple myeloma

Question 7

Investigation of choice for dysphagia lusoria is what?

Accepted Answer

CT angiography

Answer

Barium swallow study

Answer

Chest X-ray

Answer

Esophageal motility study

Question 8

Inferior rib notching is seen in which condition?

Accepted Answer

Coarctation of aorta

Answer

Marfan's syndrome

Answer

Rickets

Answer

SLE

Question 9

Characteristic radiographic appearance of aortitis is:

Accepted Answer

Dilation of arch of aorta

Answer

Calcification of ascending aorta

Answer

Calcification of descending aorta

Answer

Enlargement of left atrium

Question 10

What is the imaging modality of choice for determining the etiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Four vessel DSA

Answer

Non-contrast CT

Answer

CECT

Answer

MRI

Cardiovascular Radiology — MCQs

Cardiovascular Radiology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?