NAVLE Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 7-year-old Great Dane presents with acute, non-productive retching, hypersalivation, and a distended, tympanic abdomen.
A right lateral abdominal radiograph is taken.
Which radiographic finding is most pathognomonic for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)?

Accepted Answer

A soft tissue opacity compartmentalizing the gas-filled stomach, creating a 'double bubble' appearance.

Answer

Severe gaseous distention of the entire stomach with a normal pyloric position.

Answer

Displacement of the small intestines to the right cranial abdomen.

Answer

The presence of gravel or foreign material within the gastric lumen.

Question 2

A 5-year-old Siamese cat is presented for a chronic, intermittent cough and occasional wheezing. Thoracic radiographs are performed. Which of the following radiographic patterns is most consistent with a diagnosis of feline asthma?

Accepted Answer

A prominent bronchial pattern, characterized by 'doughnuts' and 'tramlines', with evidence of lung hyperinflation.

Answer

A diffuse, unstructured interstitial pattern with prominent pulmonary veins.

Answer

A patchy alveolar pattern concentrated in the cranioventral lung lobes.

Answer

Enlarged, tortuous pulmonary arteries and right-sided cardiomegaly.

Question 3

A 10-year-old Quarter Horse with chronic, bilateral forelimb lameness undergoes a radiographic examination of the feet. Which of the following radiographic findings is most indicative of navicular disease (podotrochleosis)?

Accepted Answer

Enlarged, flask-shaped synovial invaginations ('lollipops') on the distal border of the navicular bone.

Answer

Rotation and sinking of the distal phalanx (P3) within the hoof capsule.

Answer

Smooth, well-defined new bone formation on the extensor process of the distal phalanx.

Answer

Narrowing of the distal interphalangeal joint space with extensive periarticular osteophytes.

Question 4

Which of the following common canine uroliths is most likely to be radiolucent on survey abdominal radiographs, often requiring contrast cystography or ultrasonography for diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Ammonium Urate

Answer

Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate

Answer

Struvite (Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate)

Answer

Silica

Question 5

A veterinarian performs an abdominal ultrasound on a dog with acute vomiting and anorexia. Which finding is most specific for a mechanical small intestinal obstruction?

Accepted Answer

A segment of intestine is severely dilated with fluid (>1.6 times the diameter of the aorta) proximal to a distinct transition point.

Answer

Peristaltic waves are increased to 6-7 contractions per minute throughout the small intestine.

Answer

The intestinal wall is diffusely thickened with preserved layering.

Answer

Hyperechoic mesenteric fat is noted surrounding the entire small bowel.

Question 6

A 9-year-old Miniature Schnauzer presents with vomiting, cranial abdominal pain, and a 'praying' posture. Abdominal radiographs are taken to rule out other causes. Which of the following radiographic signs would be most consistent with acute pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Focal loss of serosal detail and increased soft tissue opacity in the right cranial abdomen.

Answer

Generalized loss of serosal detail throughout the entire abdomen.

Answer

Mineralization within the soft tissue opacity of the liver.

Answer

A gas-filled and distended gallbladder (emphysematous cholecystitis).