ARRT Pathology Recognition 2

Question 1

A CT of the chest shows a 2.5 cm solitary pulmonary nodule with central 'popcorn' calcification. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hamartoma

Answer

Popcorn calcification within a pulmonary nodule is characteristic of a pulmonary hamartoma.

Question 2

On CT pulmonary angiography, a saddle embolus is identified. Where is this embolus located?

Accepted Answer

Straddling the main pulmonary artery bifurcation

Answer

A saddle embolus straddles the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery, occluding both left and right pulmonary arteries.

Question 3

A CT abdomen reveals a liver lesion that is hypodense on non-contrast, enhances intensely on arterial phase, and becomes isodense to liver on portal venous phase. This pattern is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Hepatocellular carcinoma

Answer

Arterial hyperenhancement with washout on portal venous phase is the classic CT hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Question 4

Which CT finding is most characteristic of acute mesenteric ischemia due to superior mesenteric artery occlusion?

Accepted Answer

Pneumatosis intestinalis

Answer

Pneumatosis intestinalis (gas within the bowel wall) indicates bowel infarction and is a hallmark of severe mesenteric ischemia.

Question 5

A CT head without contrast shows a hyperdense crescent-shaped collection along the inner table of the skull. This is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Acute subdural hematoma

Answer

Acute subdural hematomas appear as hyperdense crescent-shaped collections that conform to the brain surface and cross suture lines.

(ARRT) American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification Practice Test

(ARRT) American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification Practice Test

ARRT Pathology Recognition 2