SPEX Radiology and Imaging Flashcards
6 cards from real SPEX practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 SPEX Radiology and Imaging flashcards as text
Which imaging modality is the first-line choice for evaluating a suspected acute ischemic stroke?
Answer: Non-contrast CT of the head
Non-contrast CT of the head is the first-line test to rapidly exclude hemorrhage before thrombolytic therapy in acute stroke.
A chest X-ray shows a 'Hampton's hump' sign. Which diagnosis does this suggest?
Answer: Pulmonary embolism with infarction
Hampton's hump is a wedge-shaped pleural-based opacity representing pulmonary infarction due to pulmonary embolism.
Which sign on chest X-ray indicates tension pneumothorax requiring immediate intervention?
Answer: Tracheal deviation away from the affected side
Tracheal deviation away from the affected side indicates mediastinal shift due to tension pneumothorax, requiring emergent needle decompression.
What does the 'double bubble' sign on abdominal X-ray in a neonate indicate?
Answer: Duodenal atresia
The double bubble sign represents air in the stomach and dilated proximal duodenum, characteristic of duodenal atresia.
Which imaging study is preferred to evaluate renal colic and suspected urolithiasis in adults?
Answer: Non-contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis
Non-contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis has the highest sensitivity and specificity for detecting urinary calculi and is the preferred modality.
On a lateral cervical spine X-ray, what is the normal prevertebral soft tissue width at C3?
Answer: Less than 7 mm
The prevertebral soft tissue at C3 should be less than 7 mm; widening suggests retropharyngeal abscess or hematoma from injury.