SPEX SPEX Radiology and Imaging

Question 1

Which imaging modality is the first-line choice for evaluating a suspected acute ischemic stroke?

Accepted Answer

Non-contrast CT of the head

Answer

Non-contrast CT of the head is the first-line test to rapidly exclude hemorrhage before thrombolytic therapy in acute stroke.

Question 2

A chest X-ray shows a 'Hampton's hump' sign. Which diagnosis does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism with infarction

Answer

Hampton's hump is a wedge-shaped pleural-based opacity representing pulmonary infarction due to pulmonary embolism.

Question 3

Which sign on chest X-ray indicates tension pneumothorax requiring immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Tracheal deviation away from the affected side

Answer

Tracheal deviation away from the affected side indicates mediastinal shift due to tension pneumothorax, requiring emergent needle decompression.

Question 4

What does the 'double bubble' sign on abdominal X-ray in a neonate indicate?

Accepted Answer

Duodenal atresia

Answer

The double bubble sign represents air in the stomach and dilated proximal duodenum, characteristic of duodenal atresia.

Question 5

Which imaging study is preferred to evaluate renal colic and suspected urolithiasis in adults?

Accepted Answer

Non-contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis

Answer

Non-contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis has the highest sensitivity and specificity for detecting urinary calculi and is the preferred modality.

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