BCSE Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation 2

Question 1

On a chest X-ray, a 'silhouette sign' is created when two structures of similar density are adjacent. Which finding indicates right middle lobe consolidation?

Accepted Answer

Loss of the right heart border

Answer

The right middle lobe is adjacent to the right heart border, so consolidation there obliterates that border on PA chest X-ray.

Question 2

On CT of the abdomen, which finding is most characteristic of acute appendicitis?

Accepted Answer

Appendiceal diameter >6 mm with periappendiceal fat stranding

Answer

An appendiceal diameter greater than 6 mm combined with periappendiceal fat stranding indicates acute appendicitis on CT.

Question 3

A lateral skull X-ray shows a biconvex (lenticular) hyperdense collection. What is the most likely diagnosis on CT head?

Accepted Answer

Epidural hematoma

Answer

Epidural hematomas appear as biconvex hyperdense collections because blood accumulates between the dura and inner table of the skull.

Question 4

Which MRI sequence is most sensitive for detecting acute ischemic stroke within the first few hours?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)

Answer

DWI detects restricted diffusion within minutes of ischemic stroke onset, far earlier than T2 or FLAIR sequences.

Question 5

On an abdominal X-ray, 'thumbprinting' of the colon wall is most associated with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Ischemic colitis

Answer

Thumbprinting represents submucosal edema and hemorrhage causing nodular indentations of the bowel wall, classic for ischemic colitis.

BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Practice Test

BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Practice Test

BCSE Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation 2