Radiology Inservice Exam Question Bank

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1. A patient with pernicious anemia had a normal Stage 1 Schilling Test. Which one of the following could explain the result?

Explanation

A: Correct. The situation described is one where the test yields a false-negative result in a patient with pernicious anemia (as indicated in the history). Measurement of the excreted Cobalt-57 labeled vita-min B-12 is performed by counting the urine. Typical window settings used for counting are 50-200 keV for the 122 and 136-keV photons of Cobalt-57. The presence of other radioactive material in the urine that emits photons within the acceptance window will increase the measured counts and can result in an inaccurate determination of the excretion of the radiolabeled vitamin B-12.
B: Incorrect. The situation described is one where the test result is a false-negative. Incomplete urine collection could result in a low measured excretion and a false positive (not a false negative) result
C: Incorrect. The situation described is one where the test result is a false-negative. Prior resection of terminal ileum could result in a reduced absorption of the orally administered vitamin B-12 and thereby a low excretion
D: Incorrect. The situation described is one where the test result is a false-negative. Prior vitamin B-12 therapy may result in a low measured excretion and a false positive study. The patient should not receive parental vitamin B-12 for at least 3 days prior to the study. Biliary excretion of the previous-ly administered vitamin B-12 may decrease the fractional absorption of the test dose. If it does not get absorbed it cannot get excreted into the urine so measured excretion will be low.

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Ultrasound Quizzes & Trivia

The 'Radiology Inservice Exam Question Bank' assesses knowledge in diagnostic imaging through ultrasound, targeting common and complex cases in radiology. It is designed for radiology professionals to evaluate their expertise in interpreting diverse ultrasound scenarios.

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2. Concerning radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging which one of the following is NOT associated with an inferior wall perfusion defect on a stress Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT study?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Inferior wall ischemia characteristically produces a perfusion defect in this region on stress myocardial perfusion images. In the case of reversible ischemia the defect would be expected to resolve on a resting study.
B: Incorrect. An area of prior myocardial infarction typically produces a “fixed” perfusion defect which would be visible both on stress and resting images. Thus from evaluation of stress images alone it cannot be differentiated from a defect due to exercise-induced ischemia as in item A .
C: Correct. Left bundle branch block may be the result of myocardial ischemia or infarction or may be an incidental finding. It may produce perfusion abnormalities on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in the absence of coronary artery disease. When it produces abnormalities the most common finding is a reversible perfusion defect in the interventricular septum not in the inferior wall. In patients with known left bundle branch block it is preferable to perform a pharmacologic stress test using dipyridamole or adenosine rather than treadmill exercise in conjunction with the imaging since this artifact is more commonly associated with the latter procedure.
D: Incorrect. Diaphragmatic attenuation artifact commonly produces apparent defects in the inferior wall. These defects may or may not be present both on stress and resting images and may be suspected by inspection of planar rotating images from the raw data set. This artifact most often occurs in male patients and is more common in obese patients as well.

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3. Which is an appropriate use of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET imaging in breast carcinoma?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. FDG PET imaging is not an appropriate or approved study for breast cancer screening. Screening is best done by self-examination and periodic mammography which are more sensitive and cost-effective approaches to breast cancer screening.
B: Incorrect. FDG PET imaging is less sensitive for the initial staging of breast cancer than lymphoscintigraphy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. Very high sensitivity is provided by the latter approach particularly when immunohistochemistry techniques are utilized. This approach to staging is rapidly becoming the standard of care for these patients.
C: Incorrect. FDG PET imaging is not capable of differentiating between a solitary pulmonary metastasis and a primary lung tumor. In most cases both lesions are associated with increased glucose metabolism and thus increased FDG uptake.
D: Correct. As is true for a number of neoplasms FDG PET imaging is very sensitive and specific for assessing the response to therapy in breast carcinoma whether performed after the completion of therapy (re-staging) or during the course of therapy (treatment monitoring).

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4. A post-menopausal woman with osteoporosis undergoes dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning demonstrating marked osteopenia of the lumbar spine and hip but normal bone density of the distal forearm. What is the BEST explanation for these findings?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. While it is true that it is preferable to scan the non-dominant forearm or hip in DEXA scanning and scanning the dominant side could produce a higher bone density value the differ-ences between the dominant and non-dominant sides are often minimal and this is therefore not the best explanation for the findings.
B: Correct. The bones of the extremities such as the radius and ulna are composed primarily of corti-cal bone and contain relatively less trabecular bone than either the spine or hip. Quantitatively the extremities account for the majority of the whole body bone mineral content. Thus bone density measurements of the forearm are most valuable in patients with metabolic bone disease or other conditions associated with decreases in total skeletal calcium content. Post-menapausal osteoporosis preferentially involves the trabecular bone initially which is present in higher percentages in the vertebral bodies and femoral neck regions. Therefore forearm measurements tend to be relatively insensitive for the early detection of post-menopausal osteoporosis.
C: Incorrect. In fact the opposite is true. The presence of arthritic changes is most often associated with falsely elevated bone density measurements especially in the spine secondary to increased bone density at sites of spurring or sclerosis associated with arthritic involvement.
D: Incorrect. Again the opposite is true. Moving from proximal to distal in the forearm there is a pro-gressive increase in the relative trabecular bone content. Typically bone density measurements of the forearm are performed in the distal third of the radius and ulna in order to maximize the contri-bution of trabecular bone in the measurement. Scanning more distally may also be performed to further increase the percentage of trabecular bone being evaluated. Thus scanning more distally would tend to decrease the measured bone mineral density of the forearm.

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5. What is the most commonly cited threshold for the diagnosis of malignancy using standardized uptake value (SUV) on PET imaging for a solitary pulmonary nodule?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The correct value is 2.5.
B: Incorrect. The correct value is 2.5.
C: Correct. Many malignant lesions will greatly exceed this value and some lesions with SUV values < 2.5 are malignant but 2.5 is the most commonly cited threshold for the diagnosis of malignancy using SUV analysis.
D: Incorrect. The correct value is 2.5.

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6. Concerning infection imaging with In-111 labeled leukocytes which one is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Correct. While not the sole determinant of uptake the uptake of In-111 labeled leukocytes is dependent upon regional blood flow. For example a walled-off abscess without a direct blood sup-ply will not accumulate In-111 labeled leukocytes and may appear as a photopenic defect.
B: Incorrect. In-111 WBC imaging is very sensitive for active inflammatory bowel disease. It has advantages over Ga-67 citrate imaging in this clinical setting as a result of the absence of normal bowel uptake of the tracer.
C: Incorrect. Transient lung uptake can be seen 4 hours after injection or even longer sometimes mak-ing the diagnosis of pulmonary infection difficult.
D: Incorrect. In-111 WBC’s are less sensitive than Ga-67 citrate for detecting chest infections such as PCP. As a result Ga-67 citrate imaging is preferred in the clinical settings of suspected chest infec-tion or in immunocompromised patients presenting with fever of unknown origin.

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7. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) mandates daily performance testing of the ioniza-tion chamber radioisotope dose calibrator for which one of the following?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Assessment of the effects of geometry is required at time of initial setup or after alter-ation/repair of well calibrator only. This insures that variations in radioactive dose volume or posi-tion in counting chamber will not produce aberrant dose determination.
B: Correct. This daily mandated test measures instrument precision and is designed to show repro-ducible readings day after day on all clinical energy settings. This is essentially a mini-accuracy test that does not account for half-life of long-lived low medium and high energy sealed standards. More or less rigor is applied depending on whether a single 137Cs source is counted in all standard energy settings (Tc99m 201TI 123I 131I etc.) and the same reading is compared day to day or a more elaborate daily count of multiple sealed sources (57Co 133Ba 137Cs) is obtained. No more than a 5% daily count rate variation is allowable.
C: Incorrect. Sequential assay of count rates of the same radioisotope from low to high activity usually by counting an initially high activity Tc-99m source as it decays over 48 hours. This multi-day study can’t be performed daily and is usually performed at installation quarterly thereafter and whenever the device undergoes repair.
D: Incorrect. Designed to insure correct readings throughout the entire energy spectrum clinically encountered this rigorous test requires reproduction of count rates with low medium and high energy sealed standard sources 57Ba 137Cs. This elaborate test is performed at installation of the device annually thereafter and whenever the device undergoes repair.

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8. For the man-made radiation contributions to the background radiation in the United States which of the following represents the MOST significant source of exposure to the U.S. population?

Explanation

A: Correct. Medical x-rays are the most significant source of man-made radiation sources. They con-tribute an annual effective dose of 0.39 mSv or 39 mrem to the U.S. population.
B: Incorrect. Radon is a naturally occurring source of radiation.
C: Incorrect. High-altitude air travel adds to an individual’s cosmic ray exposure and is of very small quantity.
D: Incorrect. Nuclear does not contribute as much as medical x-rays as a source of exposure to the U.S. population. They contribute an annual effective dose of 0.14 mSv or 14 mrem to the U.S. population.

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9. Which one of the following sets of I-123 thyroid scintigraphy findings and history of radiation exposure is associated with the LOWEST relative risk for thyroid carcinoma?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. This combination of scan findings and history is associated with the highest relative like-lihood of malignancy of all those listed in the range of 40%.
B: Correct. The finding of multiple cold nodules without prior radiation exposure is consistent with a non-specific multinodular goiter and carries a risk of underlying malignancy of only ~ 5%.
C: Incorrect. While the absence of prior head and neck irradiation reduces the likelihood of malignan-cy the prevalence of malignancy in patients presenting with solitary cold thyroid nodules is still in the range of about 15-20% overall.
D: Incorrect. The history of prior head and neck irradiation significantly increases the likelihood of malignancy in a patient with a solitary cold nodule with the likelihood being somewhere in the range of 30-40% slightly lower than for option A .

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10. Which one of the following is NOT a normal site of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) localization?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Symmetrical salivary gland uptake is a normal finding on FDG PET imaging.
B: Correct. The gallbladder is not a normal site of FDG localization. Increased uptake in the gallbladder suggests the presence of cholecystitis or a neoplastic process within the gallbladder.
C: Incorrect. While variable in intensity and extent colonic uptake of FDG is normal.
D: Incorrect. Renal uptake is almost always visualized on FDG PET studies. Renal excretion into the collecting systems and bladder is also seen in the majority of cases.

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11. In nuclear medicine what is the main difference between an intrinsic uniformity and extrinsic uniformity quality control test?

Explanation

A: Correct. The intrinsic uniformity or flood test is performed without the collimator and is an indica-tion of the uniformity of the camera itself. The extrinsic test is performed with the collimator on using a large flood source.
B: Incorrect. Either source material may be used. Typically a syringe of Tc-99m at a distance several time larger than the camera crystal is used for the intrinsic test and the extrinsic test is performed with a large water and Tc-99m filled flood source or a solid Co-57 flood source.
C: Incorrect. Internal electronic checks are different from the measured uniformity tests.
D: Incorrect. There are no internal radiation sources to a gamma camera used for uniformity testing.

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12. Concerning the presence of hydrolyzed reduced Tc-99m in a dose of Tc-99m MDP (methylene diphosphonate) administered intravenously for a bone scan which is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Hydrolyzed reduced technetium-99m is a colloidal impurity that results in hepatic and reticuloendothelial visualization not thyroid visualization which is typical of the presence of free pertechnetate as an impurity.
B: Incorrect. Only chromatography pre-imaging will detect this radiopharmaceutical impurity.
C: Incorrect. On the contrary Sn(II)ion is a reducing agent protecting MDP from hydrolysis.
D: Correct. The introduction of air into a multidose MDP vial is the most frequent cause of this hydrolyzed technetium-99m contaminant. The more violations of the vial the more likely air will be introduced.

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13. Concerning treatment of intractable pain from widespread metastatic bone lesions with Metastron® (Sr-89) and Quadramet® (Sm-153) which one is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Metastron is a pure beta emitter. The absence of an imagable gamma photon precludes verification of bone lesion uptake. By contrast Sm-153 has an imagable gamma photon energy of 103 keV permitting bone scintigraphy to be performed in conjunction with the therapeutic proce-dure.
B: Incorrect. While it is true that the half-life of Metastron is significantly longer resulting in more prolonged lesion irradiation the clinical efficacy of both treatments are quite similar.
C: Incorrect. Due to bremsstrahlung production of high energy photons when high atomic number material (eg. lead) is used for shielding acrylics are the preferred material for handling of these materials. Materials with lower atomic numbers such as plastic or acrylics make ideal shields. In addition bremsstrahlung production is proportional to the atomic number which is lower for these materials.
D: Correct. The major limitation of both therapies is myelosuppression. Metastron causes 15-30% drops in the platelet and WBC counts from pre-injection values and Quadramet 40-50%. However 8-12 weeks are required for full bone marrow recovery from Metastron versus only 6-8 weeks for Quadramet.

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14. Reduced occipital lobe glucose metabolism on F-18 FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) cerebral PET imaging is MOST common in which one of the following progressive dementias?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Alzheimer’s dementia at the earliest stages is associated with temporoparietal and later frontal lobe FDG hypometabolism with typical sparing of sensorimotor and visual cortex (occipital lobe).
B: Incorrect. Pick’s disease is a degenerative dementia predominately involving frontal and temporal lobes. Frontal hypometabolism precedes development of temporal hypometabolism. The visual cor-tex is generally uninvolved.
C: Incorrect. Parkinson’s dementia is a late manifestation of a neurodegenerative disease primarily affecting the basal ganglia. There is occasional involvement of the occipital cortex although tem-poroparietal hypometabolism pattern similar to that of Alzheimer’s but with additional striatal hypometabolism is a more common FDG pattern.
D: Correct. Decreasing cognitive function accompanied by visual disturbance including hallucinations is common presentation in diffuse Lewy body disease (DLBD) which is becoming more widely recognized and accounts for up to 20% of all autopsy confirmed dementias. Medical and lateral occipital lobe FDG metabolism is more severely reduced in DLBD than other dementias. When identified on FDG PET images cholinergic therapy has been useful in controlling the disease.

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15. Concerning the biodistribution of Indium-111 ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin®) 48 hours following intravenous administration which one is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The cardiac blood pool activity gradually decreases with time as Zevalin is distributed to the other organs and a small component is excreted. Persistent but decreased blood pool activity is normal at 48 hours. The development of a HAMA response occurs in < 2% of patients. More rapid clearance of the Zevalin antibody can occur with the development of a HAMA response and hence a shorter circulation time.
B: Incorrect. The Zevalin therapeutic regime should not be given to patient’s with greater than or equal to 25% lymphoma marrow involvement. Altered biodistribution is suggested with rapid blood pool clearance and increased marrow uptake.
C: Incorrect. Normal renal activity with Indium-111 Zevalin is generally manifested as faint activity (moderately low to very low activity) which is much less intense than hepatic uptake. Altered renal biodistribution is present if renal activity greater than liver is demonstrated on the posterior images.
D: Correct. Bowel activity is common and normal. However normal gastrointestinal biodistribution is activity that is less intense than liver and decreases over time (moderately low to very low intensi-ty). Bowel activity more intense than hepatic uptake is indicative of altered biodistribution.

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16. A 34-year-old male presented with symptoms of irregular heartbeat and tremor. Thyroid function tests revealed an elevated serum T3 normal T4 and reduced TSH. The 24 hour I-123 thyroid uptake was < 1%. Based on these results and the accompanying I-123 thyroid images (Figure 1A: anterior image of neck with radioactive markers around the chin and at the sternal notch and Figure 1B: anterior image of the neck without markers) which one of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. While the patient’s symptoms and laboratory findings are consistent with hyperthyroidism the markedly reduced I-123 thyroid uptake and near non-visualization of the thyroid on I-123 imaging are not consistent with Graves’ disease in which an elevated uptake and an enlarged thyroid with diffusely increased uptake on thyroid imaging would be expected.
B: Incorrect. Acute bacterial thyroiditis presents with fever elevated white blood cell count and focal tenderness over a portion of the gland. The thyroid uptake is variable and thyroid imaging would most likely demonstrate a focal hypofunctioning (“cold”) nodule with normal visualization of the remainder of the gland.
C: Incorrect. Plummer’s disease is toxic nodular goiter. The thyroid uptake may be normal or mildly increased in this disorder but would not be decreased. I-123 thyroid imaging in Plummer’s disease demonstrates one or more focal areas of increased tracer uptake with associated areas of suppression of uptake in other parts of the gland findings which are not present in this case.
D: Correct. Subacute or painless thyroiditis is the most likely etiology for these findings. In this viral disorder there is diffuse or focal inflammation of the gland with release of pre-formed thyroid hormone into the circulation during the acute phase resulting in signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism and elevated thyroid function tests as in this case. There is markedly reduced synthesis of new thyroid hormone by the gland with associated decreased thyroid uptake and poor visualization of the thyroid on I-123 or Tc-99m pertechnetate thyroid imaging. These findings may also be seen in thyrotoxicosis factitia (intake of exogenous thyroid hormone) or in patients with ectopic thyroid hormone production (eg. struma ovarii) but these conditions were not listed as possible answers.
E: Incorrect. Recent iodinated contrast administration may result in a falsely low I-123 thyroid uptake measurement secondary to flooding of the extracellular iodine pool with non-radioactive iodine. In turn poor visualization or non-visualization of the thyroid on thyroid scintigraphy may result. However in most cases these findings would not be associated with clinical evidence of hyperthyroidism as is present in this case.

Findings: There is near-complete non -visualization of the thyroid on I-123 imaging (Figures 1A & 1B) with only faint visualization of the gland which appears grossly normal in size. Thyroid morphology cannot accurately be assessed.

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17. A 57-year-old male presented with a 4 cm right upper lobe pulmonary mass on an outside chest radiograph and chest CT scan. The CT study demonstrated no evidence of mediastinal or hilar adenopathy. You are shown representative coronal transaxial and sagittal images from an F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scan (Figure 2A) and the complete series of coronal images (Figures 2B and 2C). The lesion demonstrated a standardized uptake value (SUV) of 7.2. Based upon these findings which one of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The right upper lobe lesion is highly suspicious for bronchogenic carcinoma especially in light of the SUV value of 7.2. However in the absence of mediastinal or hilar adenopathy this lesion is not consistent with Stage IIIA disease which includes patients with primary lesions of any size but only those with ipsilateral mediastinal or hilar adenopathy.
B: Correct. On the basis of this PET scan this patient has a T2 N0 M0 lesion which is consistent with Stage 1B involvement. Despite its 4 cm size only a primary lesion with evidence of invasion of the mediastinum heart great vessels trachea esophagus vertebral body carina or lesions associated with additional tumor nodules or malignant pleural effusions can be placed into the category of Stage III disease without evidence of adenopathy.
C: Incorrect. Lymphomas are in general very FDG-avid. However the MALT type lesion has been shown to be much less FDG-avid than other cell types and FDG PET imaging is not recommended for patients with this disorder. Furthermore a large focal lung nodule would represent an unusual manifestation of lymphoma in any case even for FDG-avid cell types.
D: Incorrect. Mildly increased FDG uptake may occur in infectious and granulomatous processes including histoplasmosis tuberculosis and others. Such occurrences may result in false positive PET scans for bronchogenic carcinoma. However FDG uptake in such lesions is usually mild typically with SUV values < 2.5 and in any event such a diagnosis is much less likely than bronchogenic carcinoma given the findings in this case.
E: Incorrect. Bronchoalveolar carcinoma demonstrates variable FDG uptake and has been reported to be a common cause of a false negative FDG PET scan in bronchogenic carcinoma. The presentation of a solitary large focal pulmonary nodule is not the most common appearance for bronchoalveolar carcinoma. Furthermore it is less common than other cell types of bronchogenic carcinoma and this diagnosis would therefore be less likely than other cells types of non-small cell or small cell carcinoma.

Findings: There is a large focal area of markedly increased FDG uptake in the right upper lobe corresponding to the site of the patient’s known pulmonary nodule on prior imaging studies. There is no evidence of mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy. No additional pulmonary nodules are identified. The remaining areas of FDG uptake (eg. liver heart bowel kidneys bone marrow) represent normal sites of uptake.

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18. A 43-year-old female with a history of ovarian carcinoma presented with shortness of breath and low-grade fever following a long airplane ride. You are shown posterior Xe-133 ventilation images (Figure 3A) Tc-99m MAA perfusion images (Figure 3B) and a concurrent PA and lateral chest radiograph (Figures 3C and 3D). Which one of the following BEST characterizes the overall findings in this case?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The V/Q scan findings of a single moderate ventilation-perfusion mismatch are not consistent with a high probability for pulmonary embolism using any of the commonly employed criteria for interpretation of these studies. Both the modified PIOPED criteria and modified Biello criteria categorize such cases as intermediate probability for pulmonary embolism.
B: Correct. As discussed in item A above a single moderate V/Q mismatch is consistent with an intermediate probability for pulmonary embolism using the two most prevalent sets of diagnostic criteria currently in use. In published retrospective and prospective studies approximately one-third of such cases have been associated with pulmonary embolism on pulmonary angiography.
C: Incorrect. Again a single moderate subsegmental V/Q matching defect is consistent with an intermediate probability for pulmonary embolism both in the modified PIOPED and modified Biello diagnostic criteria. The original PIOPED study incorrectly classified these cases as low probability an error which was corrected when the criteria were subsequently modified following the study.
D: Incorrect. This ventilation-perfusion lung scan demonstrates abnormalities on both the ventilation and perfusion portions of the exam. It is not a normal study.
E: Incorrect. The pattern of perfusion abnormality in this case is not suggestive of lymphangitic carcinomatosis. In that entity the perfusion images typically produce a diffuse pattern of irregularity with numerous small subsegmental perfusion defects corresponding to the interlobular septae. This pattern of abnormality has been termed “contour mapping”. It is not present in this case nor is there an interstitial pattern of pulmonary parenchymal abnormality on the chest radiography to suggest this entity.

Findings: The Xe-133 ventilation study (Figure 3A) demonstrates only mild xenon retention bilaterally most striking at the lung bases. The Tc-99m MAA perfusion images (Figure 3B) demonstrate a single moderate subsegmental perfusion defect in the lateral basal segment of the left lower lobe which does not correspond to a focal ventilatory defect on the ventilation study. The chest radiograph demonstrates no focal infiltrates or pleural effusions.

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19. A 15-year-old female volleyball player presented with low back pain without a specific incident of trauma. You are presented with AP and lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine (Figures 4A and 4B) anterior and posterior planar spot images (Figure 4C) and coronal transaxial and sagittal SPECT images from a Tc-99m MDP radionuclide bone scan (Figures 4D - 4F). No other lesions were present elsewhere in the skeleton. Which one of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Correct. The findings described above are typical for a stress fracture of the left pars interarticularis of L5 a common injury occurring in children involved in athletic activities such as gymnastics volleyball etc. Radiographs may or may not demonstrate a pars defect and in the case of bilateral pars defects spondylolysis may also be present. SPECT imaging is useful in detecting subtle lesions not evident on planar views as well as localizing the lesion to the region of the pars. Increased bone turnover in the site of the lesion suggests that it is the etiology for the patient’s symptoms of localized back pain.
B: Incorrect. Osteoid osteoma can occur in the spine and may be associated with focal areas of increased uptake on bone scintigraphy. However it is less likely to be associated with normal radiographs usually presenting with a focal area of sclerosis sometimes with a visible central radiolucent nidus. It commonly presents with rigid painful scoliosis and may have the classic presentation of pain worse at night and relieved by aspirin. It is less common than a stress fracture of the pars especially in the present clinical setting.
C: Incorrect. Ewing’s sarcoma is uncommon relative to stress fractures and the vertebral column is an uncommon site of involvement. When arising in the vertebral column the sacrum is the most common site. It is often associated with a long history of pain a soft tissue mass and in many cases associated systemic symptoms. Vertebral involvement most often involves the vertebral bodies primarily may be associated with vertebral collapse and is not usually associated with normal radiographic findings. Ewing’s sarcoma is associated with markedly increased uptake of Tc-99m MDP although usually the lesion is much larger at presentation.
D: Incorrect. Vertebral osteomyelitis is usually located in the vertebral bodies and may also spread to the intervertebral disc spaces. Radiographic findings include areas of bone destruction and/or sclerosis similar to the findings of osteomyelitis in other regions of the skeleton. Fever leukocytosis and systemic symptoms are often present. Vertebral osteomyelitis is less common than stress fractures and does not fit the present clinical setting well. Again normal radiographic findings would not be expected with vertebral osteomyelitis.
E: Incorrect. Findings that may be seen in ankylosing spondylitis include increased uptake in the sacro-iliac joints focal areas of increased uptake in the apophyseal joints increased uptake in the intervertebral disc spaces and other sites of arthritic involvement in the peripheral joints and costovertebral and sternoclavicular joints. These findings are not present in this case. While this patient is at the lower end of the typical age range for this disorder ankylosing spondylitis is more common in males and is far less common than post-traumatic injuries.

Findings: The AP and lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine (Figures 4A and 4B) demonstrate very mild scoliosis of the lower lumbar spine possibly positional. Anterior and posterior planar Tc-99m MDP bone images (Figure 4C) demonstrate a focal area of increased tracer uptake at L5 on the left best seen on the posterior image. The coronal transaxial and sagittal SPECT images (Figures 4D-4F) localize this finding to the region of the lamina in the expected location of the pars interarticularis.

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20. A 26-year-old woman presents with vaginal spotting (Figures 7 and 8). Which of the following BEST describes the findings? Figure 7-Sagittal endovaginal US of the uterus Figure 8-Coronal endovaginal US of the uterus

Explanation

A: The sagittal and coronal ultrasound of the uterus shows a small fluid collection surrounded by an echogenic ring. This echogenic ring confirms that we are dealing with a small gestational sac. This gestational sac is seen separate from the endometrial cavity represented by the echogenic line. The gestational sac is in a subendometrial location within the prominent decidua. This is the earliest manifestation of an intrauterine pregnancy that can be seen on transvaginal ultrasound at 3.5 to 4 weeks menstrual age.
B: Endometriotic cysts also known as endometriomas or chocolate cysts form as a result of endometriosis and typically develop on the surface of the ovaries.
C: The pseudogestational sac sign refers to a fluid collection within the endometrial collection. There is fluid sometimes complex fluid within the endometrial complex surrounded by a single echogenic ring and the endometrial stripe is not seen separately because the fluid is actually within the endometrial cavity.
D: This is not fluid in the endometrium as was discussed above. There is no reason to suspect cervical stenosis in this young woman.

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21. Regarding ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy which of the following findings is associated with the IG EST likelihood of acute pulmonary embolism?

Explanation

A: Although classically all triple matched findings (ie. corresponding ventilation perfusion and radiographic abnormalities) are consistent with an intermediate probability for pulmonary embolism according to the revised PIOPED criteria a triple match in the upper lobes is much less likely to be due to pulmonary embolism than a lower lobe triple match. This finding is consistent with the fact that pulmonary emboli occur much more commonly in the lower lobes than the upper lobes most likely as a result of the relatively greater blood flow to those areas.
B: A lower lobe triple match is more likely to be associated with pulmonary embolism than an upper lobe match and according to the modified PIOPED criteria is more worrisome than the finding of a triple match overall which is generally considered to be consistent with an intermediate probability for pulmonary embolism.
C: A whole-lung V/Q match is most often associated with primary ventilatory disorders associated with secondary reflex vasoconstriction such as airway obstruction due to central foreign bodies mucus plugging endobronchial masses or other unilateral primary ventilatory disorders such as Swyer-James Syndrome. This finding is consistent with a low probability for acute pulmonary embolism.
D: While classically this finding is consistent with an intermediate probability for pulmonary embolism in general the larger the corresponding pleural effusion the less likely it is due to pulmonary embolism.

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22. Concerning prospective ECG gating in cardiac CT imaging which of the following is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. In prospective ECG gating (also known as ECG triggering) data acquisition is triggered to the R wave of the ECG so data is acquired at a pre specified time. The multi detector CT can be set up to record data at a certain time after the last R wave or before the next R wave of the ECG. Alternatively data can be acquired at a certain percentage of the time between two successive R waves.
B: Correct. Data is ideally only acquired when the heart is relatively motionless as in diastole. So there are parts of the ECG cycle in which data is not being acquired namely during systole (when the heart moves more).
C: Incorrect. Because there is 'missing' data one cannot do a volumetric assessment of the left ventricular cavity. In order to calculate ejection fraction one needs data from both diastole and systole so retrospective ECG gating is needed.
D: Incorrect. Retrospective ECG gating involves more radiation because data is acquired throughout the cardiac cycle. The patient is receiving ionizing radiation throughout the cardiac cycle. The person interpreting the study selects data from selected portions of the cardiac cycle (such as in diastole when the heart is relatively motionless).
References: (1) Wintersperger BJ Nikolaou K. Basics of Cardiac MDCT: techniques and contrast application. European Radiology 2005 15(2):B2-B9

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23. You are shown grayscale (left) and power Doppler (right) ultrasound images (Figure 6) of the groin in a patient who has undergone recent cardiac catheterization. Which of the following would be the BEST method of management for the ultrasound finding?

Explanation

A: This is correct as the ultrasound demonstrates a normal lymph node.

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24. You are shown two images from a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen (Figures 2A and 2B). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Correct. The mass is nearly completely fat density when compared to subcutaneous fat.
B: Incorrect. Although renal cell carcinoma more commonly extends into the IVC and can contain a small amount of fat this mass has no significant soft tissue component.
C: Incorrect. Oncocytomas are not predominantly fat density and can have a central scar.
D: Incorrect. These masses are cystic and commonly extend into the renal pelvis and not the IVC.

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25. You are shown representative coronal transaxial and sagittal tomographic radionuclide images (Figure 6). Which one of the following radiotracers was MOST LIKELY utilized for this study?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The normal biodistribution of Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate (MDP) includes the axial and appendicular skeleton kidneys and bladder. The liver spleen mediastinum and brain which are visualized in this case are not seen on a normal bone scintigram.
B: Incorrect. The normal biodistribution of Tc-99m sulfur colloid includes intense liver and spleen activity. Less intense activity is identified in the central bone marrow (skull ribs sternum vertebral bodies pelvis proximal humeri and femora). The most intense activity in this study is osseous. Moderate activity is seen within the spleen and low level activity in the liver mediastinum and brain. This biodistribution is not typical for sulfur colloid.
C: Correct. The normal biodistribution of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is accumulation in the brain myocardium blood vessels pharynx liver spleen bone marrow kidneys ureters urinary bladder and GI tract. Intense marrow uptake is seen in this patient with lymphoma after administra-tion of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) which is given to support bone marrow func-tion following therapy. Normal marrow uptake is usually less intense than hepatic uptake. While this distribution is not normal it is more characteristic of FDG than any of the other tracers listed.
D: Incorrect. The normal biodistribution of F-18 sodium fluoride is osseous with uptake dependent on regional blood flow and osteoblastic activity by chemisorption. Hydroxyl groups are exchanged to form fluoroapatite in the hydroxyapatite crystals. Because of the superior spatial resolution and three-dimensional localization afforded by PET imaging there is a high sensitivity for the detection of metabolically active skeletal lesions using F-18 sodium fluoride.

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26. Concerning subacute thyroiditis serum thyroid hormone levels are elevated as the result of which one of the following?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Thyroid hormone production is reduced in subacute thyroiditis. The elevated thyroid function tests and signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism that occur early in the disorder are relat-ed to release of pre-formed thyroid hormone into the circulation from the inflamed thyroid gland.
B: Incorrect. The increased thyroid hormone levels produced by the release of pre-formed hormone into the circulation results in a feedback inhibition of TSH secretion by the pituitary resulting in decreased serum TSH levels.
C: Correct. Subacute thyroiditis is a viral disorder often following a recent upper respiratory infec-tion. The inflammatory response in the gland results in increased permeability and increased release of pre-formed thyroid hormone into the circulation from the colloid. The increased serum thyroid hormone levels in turn result in clinical evidence of hyperthyroidism despite a low thyroid uptake.
D: Incorrect. The pathophysiology of subacute thyroiditis does not involve abnormalties in iodine metabolism per se. The acute inflammatory response in this disorder is associated with decreased iodide uptake and organification during the early stage of the disease.

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27. Gallium-67 citrate scintigraphy is preferred over In-111 leukocyte scintigraphy in which one of the following entities?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. While both radiopharmaceuticals are efficacious for the detection of abdominal abscesses Indium-111 leukocyte imaging is often preferred as the result of the absence of potentially confus-ing normal bowel activity as occurs in Gallium-67 scintigraphy. This normal bowel uptake may lead to false positive gallium studies.
B: Incorrect. Indium-111 leukocyte imaging is superior to gallium-67 scintigraphy in the evaluation of suspected infected joint prostheses in part related to the bone seeking properties of gallium leading to potential false positive gallium studies due to increased tracer localization secondary to increased bone turnover in the absence of infection.
C: Correct. While sensitive for osteomyelitis Indium-111 leukocyte scintigraphy has been found to be less sensitive than gallium-67 scintigraphy for the detection of disc space infection.
D: Incorrect. Again the absence of normal bowel localization makes In-111 leukocyte scintigraphy better suited to the assessment of active inflammatory bowel disease. In gallium-67 scintigraphy normal bowel uptake especially in the colon can be incorrectly attributed to inflammatory bowel disease.

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28. You are shown representative coronal transaxial and sagittal images from an F-18 FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) PET scan (Figure 4). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The abnormal uptake in this case is located in the posterior mediastinum where adenopa-thy due to lymphoma may occur. However the linear configuration of the activity is characteristic of esophageal activity rather than the typical focal rounded appearance of adenopathy. Furthermore no other sites of adenopathy are present. The findings are characteristic of an esophageal neoplasm making squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma far more likely than lymphoma.
B: Incorrect. As discussed above the linear uptake located in the posterior mediastinum is characteris-tic in appearance for an esophageal neoplasm. There are no focal pulmonary nodules or foci of mediastinal or hilar adenopathy as would be anticipated in the presence of bronchogenic carcinoma.
C: Correct. The linear pattern of increased FDG uptake in the posterior mediastinum in the expected location of the esophagus is characteristic in appearance for an esophageal neoplasm most likely representing squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.
D: Incorrect. Mildly increased uptake near the gastroesophageal junction may be seen as a normal vari-ant or in patients with gastroesophageal reflux. Mild diffuse esophageal uptake may also occur in esophagitis. The uptake in this case is far more intense than would be anticipated as a normal vari-ant and the location of the activity remote from the gastroesophageal junction is not consistent with a normal variant.

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29. A 28 year-old HIV positive woman presents with headache papilledema and a ring-enhancing right thalamic mass on CT (not shown). You are shown a transaxial Tl-201 chloride image of the brain (Figure 5). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Correct. CNS lymphoma may produce a ring-enhancing lesion on CT and is thallium-avid. These findings are most consistent with CNS lymphoma arising in an immunocompromised host.
B: Incorrect. CMV is not thallium-avid as is the lesion in this case.
C: Incorrect. Toxoplasmosis can produce cerebral ring-enhancing CT lesion but it is not thallium-avid as is the lesion in this case.
D: Incorrect. The focal area of increased tracer uptake in the midline basal ganglia region represents a striking abnormality which is not attributable to any normal finding. This is not a normal study.

Findings: Transaxial Tl-201 chloride SPECT images of the brain demonstrate a focal area of increased tracer uptake near the midline in the region of the CT lesion in the basal ganglia.

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30. Concerning the presence of multiple focal “hot spots” on a Tc-99m macroaggregated albumin (MAA) scan which one of the following is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Correct. The finding of focal “hot spots” on a Tc-99m MAA scan indicates the aggregation of the radiopharmaceutical into larger particles which lodge in the pulmonary vascular bed. This artifact may be produced by drawing blood back into the syringe during injection or by failing to resuspend the particles prior to injection in the event the dose is left sitting for a prolonged time after being drawn up. While it is not associated with any adverse effects in the patient these foci of increased activity may obscure portions of the underlying lungs resulting in the need to repeat the study after significant radioactive decay has occurred.
B: Incorrect. While technically these foci do represent small iatrogenic pulmonary emboli they are virtually never associated with any clinically demonstrable adverse effects. In general pulmonary perfusion imaging with Tc-99m MAA is associated with transient occlusion of less the 0.1% of the pulmonary capillary bed. Thus this occurrence is unlikely to produce acute hypoxemia.
C: Incorrect. While these “hot spots” may obscure underlying detail in evaluating pulmonary perfu-sion they are not associated with artifactual perfusion defects that would produce a false positive study.
D: Incorrect. Pulmonary AVMs are associated with right to left shunting permitting Tc-99m MAA par-ticles to bypass the pulmonary capillary bed. Thus AVMs would tend to produce focal perfusion defects rather than focal areas of increased tracer localization.

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31. Concerning the analysis of radionuclide gated blood pool (MUGA) studies which one of the following will result in an UNDERESTIMATION of the left ventricular ejection fraction?

Explanation

A: Placement of the background ROI over the spleen will result in excessive background subtraction. The relative effect of the extra background subtraction will be greater on the systolic ROI which has fewer counts and therefore will not “cancel out”. Thus the denominator of the ejection fraction equation will be relatively reduced resulting in an artifactually elevated rather than reduced.
B: Too small of a systolic region will result in exclusion of value counts from the systolic region mak-ing the percentage change between systolic and diastolic counts appear to be larger than it actually is. Again this error would result in an artifactually elevated calculated ejection fraction.
C: This technique was initially used when the procedure was originally introduced. However by using the same region for both measurements the systolic region extends beyond the actual margins of the ventricle in end-systole thus including background counts from adjacent structures making the apparent ejection fraction artifactually too low. For this reason the standard method of analysis at present requires assignment of separate diastolic and systolic regions of interest in order to improve the accuracy of the measurement.
D: Inclusion of a portion of the left atrium in the diastolic region of interest will have the effect of introducing additional counts into the region that are not valid ventricular counts. Thus the apparent total end-diastolic counts will be inappropriately high resulting in an apparent higher percentage of ventricular emptying and a falsely elevated ejection fraction calculation. Distractors: SCORE ALL CHOICES AS CORRECT

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32. A 2-month-old male with marked hypertension is referred for captopril renography. You are shown serial 1-minute posterior pre- and post-captopril images (Figure 3). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Although initial (left) study appears symmetrically normal there is clearly a bilateral delay in cortical clearance and excretion on the post-captopril study.
B: Incorrect. In unilateral right renal artery stenosis ACE-inhibitor should create an asymmetric delay in right renal washout not the bilaterally delayed washout present in this case.
C: Incorrect. In unilateral left renal artery stenosis ACE-inhibitor should create an asymmetric delay in left renal washout not the bilaterally delayed washout present in this case.
D: Correct. The post-captopril study fails to demonstrate sequential right and left renal pelvis and bladder activity seen at midpoint of the baseline pre-captopril study. Administration of the ACE inhibitor has produced a symmetric delay in renal cortical clearance manifested by marked bilateral cortical retention and non-visualization of the renal pelves and bladder. These findings are typical for bilateral ACE-inhibition of compensatory post-glomerular vascular constriction with resultant delay in transcortical clearance in this child with bilateral congenital renal artery stenosis.

Findings: The baseline pre-captopril study demonstrates mildly decreased tracer uptake bilaterally with normal excretion. The post-captopril images demonstrate significant bilateral deterioration in excretion with marked cortical retention noted bilaterally.

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33. You are shown serial 5-minute anterior images and final right anterior oblique and right lateral images from a Tc-99m DISIDA hepatobiliary scan performed on a 55-year-old man with abdominal pain fever and ascites s/p paracentesis (Figures 2A and 2B). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The findings are not consistent with acute cholecystitis. There is prompt visualization of the gallbladder as early as 5-10 minute post-injection which essentially excludes acute cholecysti-tis. Furthermore acute cholecystitis does not explain the presence of biliary leakage present in this case. Perforation of the gallbladder may occur in gangrenous cholecystitis but that entity is virtual-ly always associated with cystic duct obstruction which would result in non-visualization of the gallbladder as well.
B: Correct. The findings in this case described above are consistent with a relatively large bile leak most likely arising in the region of the gallbladder fossa. In this case the findings may be secondary to trauma from paracentesis.
C: Incorrect. There is prolonged hepatic clearance and non-visualization of the small bowel both find-ings that occur in the presence of common bile duct obstruction. However in common duct obstruc-tion there is often complete non-visualization of the biliary tree including the gallbladder even in the absence of cholecystitis. In addition common duct obstruction is not usually associated with bil-iary leakage which is present in this case.
D: Incorrect. This study is not normal. A significant degree of biliary leakage is demonstrated as described above. Furthermore the images also demonstrate prolonged hepatic clearance and non-visualization of the small bowel both of which are also abnormal findings.

Findings: There is prompt hepatic uptake with early visualization of activity in the region of the gall-bladder fossa. Faint amorphous activity is noted inferior to the liver on the right beginning at 10 min-utes and better seen thereafter. In addition there is accumulation of activity throughout the peritoneal cavity beginning at 15 minutes post-injection and progressively increasing throughout the study. There is also the appearance of abnormal linear activity along the inferior margin of the left lobe of the liver beginning at 25-30 minutes into the study and progressively increasing in intensity. The right lateral image demonstrates activity spreading anterior to the liver also consistent with intraperitoneal biliary leakage. Hepatic clearance is also moderately prolonged.

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34. This 4-year-old boy presented with cough and fever. You are shown two CT images (Figures 5A and 5B). Which one of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Explanation

Pneumatoceles.
A: Correct. Cystic adenomatoid malformation is a mass of disorganized pulmonary tissue that has a normal communication with the bronchial tree and normal vascular supply and drainage. Three types of cystic adenomatoid malformation are recognized. Type I contains at least one dominant large cyst greater than 2 cm in diameter. Type II is comprised of many small cysts measuring 1 to 10 mm in diameter. Type III appears solid on visual inspection although microscopically there are multiple tiny cysts less than 2 mm in diameter. Most affected patients present in the neonatal period with respiratory distress. Later in life patients present with symptoms related to infection of the lesion as in the test patient. The classic CT appearance of cystic adenomatoid malformation in the neonate is a multilocular mass containing air-filled cysts surrounded by thin walls. Large lesions cause the mediastinum to shift to the opposite hemithorax. In the presence of infection the cysts have thick walls and are surrounded by soft tissue. The most likely diagnosis for the thick-walled multilocular mass in the test patient is an infected cystic adenomatoid malformation.
B: Incorrect. Pulmonary infarction is a rare disease in the pediatric population. Causes of infarction include the pulmonary vasculitides septic emboli and drug abuse. CT findings are a pleural-based wedge-shaped area of parenchymal consolidation with convex bulging borders. The apex of the opacity points toward the hilum. The CT findings in the test patient are not typical for infarction which makes this an unlikely diagnosis. The age of the patient and the absence of any predisposing causes also makes the diagnosis unlikely.
C: Incorrect. Lung abscess is a rare complication of bacterial pneumonitis. CT features include a low attenuation mass with a spherical shape an acute angle with the chest wall thick irregular walls and a poorly defined external surface. Pneumonic infiltrates adjacent to the abscess or elsewhere in the lung and pleural effusion are other common findings. A multilocular mass with otherwise normal lung parenchyma and pleura make abscess an unlikely diagnosis.
D: Incorrect. Necrotizing pneumonitis or cavitary pneumonia refers to an area of non-enhancing low-attenuation parenchyma with a variable number of thin-walled cavities. The decreased parenchymal enhancement after administration of intravenous contrast medium is most likely related to ischemia. With the exception of the multilocular mass the lung in the test patient is normal. There is no evidence of pneumonia. Therefore necrotizing pneumonia is not a good option.
E: Incorrect. Pneumatoceles result when there is obstruction of the smaller airways with destruction of the walls of the subtended alveoli and concomitant overinflation of alveolar spaces. Inflammatory pneumatoceles usually are the result of staphylococcal pneumonitis but they may be associated with other organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae Hemophilus influenzae and pneumocystis. In patients with staphylococcal pneumonitis pneumatoceles appear late in the first week of the illness and disappear within 6 weeks. CT findings are a uni- or multilocular cavitary mass with thin walls. Pneumonic infiltrates and pleural disease are also very common. The thick-walled lesion in the test patient and the absence of other pleuroparenchymal disease helps to exclude this diagnosis.

Findings: CT scans demonstrate multiple air-filled cysts with a surrounding rind of soft tissue in the left lower lobe.

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35. A 46-year-old female underwent a living-related donor renal transplant placed in the left iliac fossa and presented 5 days post-operatively with the acute onset of markedly reduced urine output and elevated serum creatinine. You are presented with an anterior flow study (Figure 5A) and serial static anterior images of the abdomen and pelvis (Figure 5B) from a Tc-99m MAG-3 renal scan. Which one of the following is the BEST interpretation for these findings?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Post-operative ATN is present immediately after transplantation and a 5 day delay before the onset of symptoms would not be expected. In addition ATN is usually associated with disproportionate impairment of renal tubular function with relatively preserved perfusion which is not present in this case. It is also usually less striking in the case of living-related donor transplantation in which cases the ischemic time of the donor kidney is minimized.
B: Incorrect. Renal artery stenosis is a later complication of transplantation and would not be expected within the first post-operative week. The high-grade degree of impaired perfusion in this case is also not typical for renal artery stenosis.
C: Incorrect. Immunosuppressive drug toxicity similar to ATN is most often associated with a disproportionate impairment of renal tubular function relative to perfusion which is not the case in this instance. Complete lack of perfusion to the renal transplant is not an expected finding with drug toxicity.
D: Incorrect. Complete obstruction of the transplanted kidney could conceivably produce these findings. However it would be unusual to see complete non-perfusion and non-function of the transplant as is present in this case. Acute rejection is a more likely etiology for these findings.
E: Correct. Severe acute or accelerated rejection is the most likely explanation for these findings. Rejection is typically associated with impairment both of perfusion and tubular function of the transplanted kidney and is consistent with the time course in this case. While much less common in living-related donor transplants it can occur even in this setting. The most likely differential diagnostic possibility would be acute occlusion or disruption of the renal vessels which is not one of the options listed.

Findings: The flow study (Figure 5A) demonstrates no evidence of perfusion to the transplanted kidney in the left iliac fossa. The delayed static images (Figure 5B) demonstrate increased background activity and photopenic areas in the configuration of bowel loops without visualization of the renal transplant.

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36. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis in this 30-year-old woman (Figures 1 and 2)?Figure 1-Transabdominal image of left ovaryFigure 2-Transabdominal image of right ovary

Explanation

A: With polycystic ovary disease the ovaries are more modestly increased in size with multiple small peripheral cysts and increased central stroma. These images demonstrate multiple larger diffuse ovarian cysts with associated free fluid which is more typical for theca-lutein cysts associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
B: Although serous cystadenomas can be associated with ascites and can rarely be bilateral they are typically a unilocular or multilocular cyst arising from the ovary. These images demonstrate multiple diffuse unilocular ovarian cysts which are more typical for theca-lutein cysts associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
C: Although endometriosis can result in multiple pelvic cysts (endometriomas) some of which may arise on surface of ovaries those cysts are typically complex with thick walls. These images demonstrate multiple simple appearing cysts of ovarian origin with associated free fluid which is more typical for theca-lutein cysts associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
D: Iatrogenic form of theca-lutein cysts related to drug treatment for infertility. Typically present with multiple large bilateral cysts distributed throughout the ovaries which result in enlargement of the ovaries. Ovarian hyperstimulation can also be associated with significant amounts of free fluid.

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37. You are shown images from a carotid ultrasound (Figures 3 and 4). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis? Figure 3-Left common carotid waveform Figure 4-Right common carotid waveform

Explanation

A: An aortic valve stenosis has the same effect on the waveform as a stenosis anywhere proximal to the area of sampling and would include delayed systolic upstroke and decreased peak systolic velocities. Images demonstrate normal systolic upstroke and peak systolic velocities.
B: As with arterial venous malformations located throughout the body sampling proximal to AVM could produce increased peak systolic velocity and diastolic flow rather than the reversal of flow shown on these images.
C: Aortic valve incompetence if it is severe enough can result in reversal of diastolic flow and should affect the carotid system bilaterally.
D: A distal unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion should result in increased velocities of the patent contralateral carotid system including the contralateral common carotid artery. In addition distal left ICA occlusion will result in a waveform that more closely resembles the left external carotid waveform with high resistance waveform but no reversed diastolic flow in the common carotid artery.

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38. You are shown two images (Figures 5 and 6) from a second trimester ultrasound. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis? Figure 5-Axial transabdominal image of uterus Figure 6-Longitudinal view of lower uterine segment

Explanation

A: Submitted images particularly the lower uterine segment image confirm that the visualized pregnancy is intrauterine in position and is not an ectopic pregnancy.
B: Partial molar pregnancy by ultrasound will demonstrate a fetus (which is present) combined with an abnormally thickened and complex placenta. The placenta on these images is unremarkable in its visualized portions.
C: There is an intrauterine pregnancy in the right uterine horn with an empty uterine horn on the left. This could represent didelphis or bicornuate uterus based on the images. Physical exam confirmed two cervices consistent with didelphis uterus.
D: Intrauterine pregnancy is present with a separate "mass" to the left of the uterus. Although fibroids can be complex in appearance this "mass" contains what appears to be an endometrium which is most consistent with a separate uterine horn.

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39. You are shown ultrasound images (Figures 9 and 10) of the right testis in a 41-year-old man. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis? Figure 9-Sagittal image of the right testis Figure 10-Transverse image of the right testis

Explanation

A: The sagittal and transverse ultrasound images of the right testis show a cluster of small cysts in the location of the rete testis. Seminomas can occur in this age group in fact the peak incidence is in the 4th and 5th decade of life. Seminomas can be bilateral. However on ultrasound seminomas appear as hypoechoic relatively homogeneous solid intratesticular mass so this answer is not correct.
B: Lymphoma is the most common testicular tumor in men over the age of 60 and is usually of the B cell type. It can be bilateral and appear as hypoechoic masses or diffuse heterogeneous enlargement of the testis. The age of the patient as well as the ultrasound appearance do not fit this diagnosis.
C: This ultrasound appearance of cluster of small cysts in the location of the rete testis is characteristic of cystic dilatation of the rete testis. This is an 'aunt Minnie' and should be recognized as a normal variant not to be confused with a neoplasm. Cystic dilatation of the rete testis is often but not always bilateral and can be associated with a spermatocele.
D: Orchitis is rarely isolated and usually associated with epididymitis. In this condition the testis is enlarged and hypervascular.

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40. Concerning occupational radiation dose limits once the technologist declares her pregnancy what is the maximum permissible allowed dose in mSv to the embryo/fetus for the entire 9 months?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. This limit is for any one month during pregnancy
B: Correct. The nuclear regulatory commission (NRC) limits the dose to an embryo/fetus to be not more than 5 mSv or 500 mrem for entire 9 months.
C: Incorrect. The limit of 50 mSv applies to occupational exposures and not to fetus exposure.
D: Incorrect. See rationale in B .

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41. You are shown ultrasound images (Figures 11 and 12) of the neck in a 50-year-old woman. Which of the following laboratory tests would be helpful to confirm your diagnosis? Figure 11-Sagittal US of the right neck Figure 12-Transverse US of the right neck

Explanation

A: The sagittal and transverse ultrasound of the right lobe of the thyroid shows a well define hypoechoic mass inferior to the right lobe of the thyroid. There is a tissue plane (echogenic line) between the thyroid and the mass confirming that the mass is separate from the thyroid. This is a classic ultrasound appearance of a parathyroid adenoma. This diagnosis can be confirmed by checking the serum PTH level that will be elevated. The patient may also undergo another imaging test a sestamibi scan that will show retention of radioactive tracer below the right thyroid lobe.
B: Serum Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies are elevated in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis. These patients can have enlarged cervical nodes in level 6 below the thyroid. However the patient's visible thyroid appears homogeneous and normal. In addition reactive cervical nodes often display an echogenic hilum
C: Serum T3 and T4 are elevated in case of a hyperfunctioning thyroid either and most commonly Grave's disease where the gland would be enlarged or a hyperfunctioning adenoma that would appear as an intrathyroidal nodule.
D: Urine metanephrine and normetanephrine are elevated with other endocrine tumors such as pheochromocytomas.

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42. You are shown two images (Figures 13 and 14) of the left adnexa in a 30-year-old woman with acute pelvic pain. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis? Figure 13-Gray scale ultrasound of the left ovary Figure 14-Doppler image of the left ovary

Explanation

A: The most specific finding in ovarian torsion is a unilaterally enlarged ovary with peripherally displaced follicles. Other associated findings may include absent or reduced flow within the ovary although the flow may be completely normal in some cases of ovarian torsion. There may be associated free fluid in the cul-de-sac. Pyosalpinx typically appears as a complex tubular thick-walled adnexal structure in close proximity to the ovary but separate from it.
B: Cystadenocarcinoma appears as a complex cystic ovarian mass with thick septa and nodules with presence of vascularity.
C: The most specific finding in ovarian torsion is a unilaterally enlarged ovary with peripherally displaced follicles. Other associated findings may include absent or reduced flow within the ovary although the flow may be completely normal in some cases of ovarian torsion. There may be associate free fluid in the cul-de-sac.
D: The most specific finding in ectopic pregnancy is a non ovarian complex adnexal mass with associated findings such as echogenic free fluid.

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43. You are shown two images (Figures 15 and 16) of the left ovary in a young woman. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis? Figure 15-Gray scale ultrasound of the ovary Figure 16-Doppler ultrasound image of the ovary

Explanation

A: The most specific finding in ectopic pregnancy is a non ovarian complex adnexal mass.
B: Endometriomas within the ovaries gives rise to endometriotic cysts secondary to repeated cyclical hemorrhage. They are referred to as the chocolate cysts because of the cyst contents which comprise of thick dark degenerated blood products. Most common sonographic appearance of an endometrioma is diffuse low level echoes as seen on the given images.
C: The most specific finding in ovarian torsion is a unilaterally enlarged ovary with peripherally displaced follicles. Other associated findings may include absent or reduced flow within the ovary although the flow may be completely normal in some cases of ovarian torsion. There may be associate free fluid in the cul-de-sac.
D: Cystadenocarcinoma is seen as a complex cystic solid ovarian mass with thick septa or nodules with vascularity.

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44. You are shown two images (Figures 17 and 18) of a patient with right upper quadrant pain. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis? Figure 17-Gray scale ultrasound image from right upper quadrant Figure 18-Doppler ultrasound of right upper quadrant

Explanation

A: There is a common bile duct stone which appears as an echogenic focus within the duct with posterior acoustic shadowing and proximal duct dilatation. The color Doppler image demonstrates the twinkle artifact posterior to the duct stone. Acute cholecystitis presents as a distended gallbladder with gallstones positive sonographic Murphy sign gallbladder wall thickening and pericholecystic fluid.
B: Portal vein thrombosis should show absence of flow within the portal vein
C: There is a common bile duct stone which appears as an echogenic focus within the duct with posterior acoustic shadowing and proximal duct dilatation. The color Doppler image demonstrates the twinkle artifact posterior to the duct stone.
D: Cholangiocarcinoma of the duct can have a varied appearance and may appear as a duct thickening or an irregular mass.

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45. A 40-year-old man presents with a scrotal mass (Figures 19 and 20). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis? Figure 19-Gray scale ultrasound of the scrotum Figure 20-Doppler image of the scrotum

Explanation

A: Seminoma appears as a hypoechoic intratesticular mass with some internal vascularity.
B: Lymphoma of the testes can have a variable appearance which includes a diffuse hypoechoic testis or multiple intratesticular masses or a striated apperance with increased vascularity.
C: Epididymoorchitis is seen as an enlarged and hypoechoic testis and epididymis with increased vascularity. There may be associated hydrocele.
D: Scrotal abscess appears as a complex fluid collection with no internal vascularity but increased peripheral hyperemia. There is no intratesticular mass which excludes seminoma and lymphoma. Epididymoorchitis demonstrates increased vascularity within the testis and epididymis.

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46. Which of the following measurements provides the BEST estimate of gestational age in a normal mid-first-trimester pregnancy?

Explanation

A: Yolk sac diameter is not an accepted measure of gestational age
B: An embryo is normally visible beginning at 6 weeks' gestation and crown-rump length provides the best estimate of embryonic age
C: The mean sac diameter may be used in the early first trimester but is not as accurate as crown-rump length in the mid first trimester once an embryo is visible.
D: Biparietal diameter should be used beginning at 12 weeks' gestation but cannot be obtained in a 6-7 week embryo.

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47. Concerning Doppler imaging of the abdominal vasculature which of the following is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Portal vein normally should be hepatopedal (flow toward liver) and nonpulsatile with only gentle undulation with respiration.
B: Hepatic veins are normally hepatofugal (flowing away from liver)and pulsatile. The pulsatility is related to proximity to the right atrium.
C: Hepatic artery should be pulsatile but with a low resistance waveform rather than a high resistance waveform.
D: Splenic vein has waveform most similar to normal portal vein waveform and is part of the portal system with a direct connection to the portal vein.

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48. Regarding Budd-Chiari syndrome which of the following is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Ascites is almost always present with Budd-Chiari Syndrome.
B: Budd-Chiari Syndrome is a result of occlusion of the hepatic veins with or without involvement of the IVC.
C: Caudate lobe is frequently spared due to its venous drainage which is independent of the main hepatic veins. If the IVC at the level of the caudate is involved then the caudate may be affected.
D: Although intrahepatic collaterals can extend from hepatic veins to the portal venous system intrahepatic collaterals most commonly extend from the hepatic veins to the systemic circulation frequently at the peripheral hepatic capsule.

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49. Concerning hepatic cavernous hemangioma which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: While small hemangiomas are typically well defined and more echogenic then the surrounding liver parenchyma on ultrasound many atypical appearances have been recognized including a lace like appearance scalloping of the margins and heterogeneous central area. This latter appearance is more common in large lesions with central hypoechoic areas in large hemangiomas corresponding to fibrous collagen scar.
B: It is well recognized that hemangiomas are common found in about 4% of the population and are usually found incidentally. If the mass displays the characteristic US appearance of a well defined echogenic mass no more then 2 to 3 cm no further examination is necessary provided the patient has NO risk factor for hepatic malignancy such as a history of primary cancer elsewhere or history of liver disease predisposing that patient to the development of a hepatocellular carcinoma. In this high risk group further evaluation with a dedicated liver CT or MR is warranted.
C: The Kasabach-Merritt syndrome refers to the sequestration and destruction of platelets in a large cavernous hemangioma. This rare complication is more common in infants then adults.
D: A well recognized appearance of hemangiomas is that of hypoechoic central area with a thick or thin echogenic rim. An echogenic mass with hypoechoic rim would be quite concerning for primary malignant tumor or hepatic metastasis (the so called target lesion)

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50. Which of the following is the MOST common ovarian neoplasm found in pregnancy?

Explanation

A: While a corpus luteum cyst is the most common ovarian mass seen in pregnancy it is not a neoplasm. The corpus luteum is a normal physiologic cyst that secretes progesterone to support the early pregnancy. It usually appears as a simple or sometimes complex cyst in the ovary usually less then 5cm in size but can be larger.
B: Ovarian tumors of low malignant potential can be seen in women of reproductive age and although they have histological features of malignancy they are less aggressive then the usual ovarian carcinoma and have a better prognosis. However they are not the most common ovarian tumor seen in pregnant women.
C: Endometriomas are caused by focal deposits of functional endometrial tissue on the adnexae. These appear as cystic adnexal masses filled with low level echoes and are often multiloculated. Although endometriosis is associated with an increased incidence of infertility endometriomas are occasionally seen in pregnancy however C is False because endometriomas are not true neoplasms.
D: Ovarian cystic teratoma is the most common ovarian neoplasm found in women of reproductive age including pregnant women. In fact about 10% of cystic teratomas are diagnosed during pregnancy.

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51. Concerning Mirizzi syndrome which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Mirizzi syndrome refers to a clinical syndrome caused by obstruction of the common hepatic duct due to a stone impacted in the cystic duct. It happens when the cystic duct and common hepatic duct run a parallel course and the edema and inflammation surrounding the obstructed cystic duct affect the adjacent common hepatic duct. The gallbladder displays sonographic signs of acute cholecystitis. Recognition of this relatively uncommon complication of acute cholecystitis preoperatively is important as there is potentially increased risk of injury to the bile duct during surgery.
B: Mirizzi syndrome is a clinical syndrome with right upper quadrant pain and fever (symptoms of acute cholecystitis) and jaundice (caused by biliary obstruction). Painless jaundice in an elderly patient should prompt investigation for a pancreatic head mass.
C: Ultrasound findings associated with Mirizzi syndrome include gallbladder wall thickening focal tenderness and other signs of acute cholecystitis. The gallbladder may be distended orin some cases contracted. An obstructing stone is present in the cystic duct with signs of inflammation such as echogenic fat. The common hepatic duct is dilated and there may be intrahepatic biliary tree dilatation. The common bile duct distal to the cystic duct is normal in caliber. These findings should lead the radiologist to suggest the diagnosis of Mirizzi. Pneumobilia is not typically associated with Mirizzi syndrome.
D: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is not associated with Mirizzi syndrome. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a disease of unknown etiology causing fibrosis and inflammation of the biliary ducts. It is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease particularly Ulcerative colitis. Patients with PCS are at risk for developing cholangiocarcinoma.

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52. Which of the following ultrasound imaging features is MOST suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma?

Explanation

A: Approximately 90% of papillary thyroid carcinomas are hypoechoic rather than hyperechoic.
B: Although there can be overlap of many benign and malignant imaging features honeycomb pattern of cystic change and thin hypoechoic rim are both features more typically associated with benign nodules.
C: Approximately 90% of papillary thyroid carcinomas are hypoechoic and microcalcifications are an additional finding that has been associated with papillary thyroid carcinomas. Therefore a hypoechoic nodule with microcalcifications would be the most suspicious imaging characteristics for papillary thyroid carcinoma of the submitted choices.
D: Peripheral eggshell type calcifications of a thyroid nodule are a feature that is most typically associated with benign thyroid nodules.

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53. Concerning renal vascular pathology and renal arterial Doppler imaging which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Essential (primary) hypertension is the most common cause of elevated blood pressure in both adult males and females. Renovascular disease is the most common cause of secondary hypertension found in 5% of patients with hypertension and among those patients atherosclerosis of the renal artery is a more common etiology then fibromuscular dysplasia.
B: Direct Doppler interrogation of the main renal arteries with measurement of the peak systolic velocity (PSV) is considered more reliable then other Doppler parameters by most experts as was recently confirmed by a large meta analysis study. Other measurements that have been proposed include ratio of renal artery PSV to aorta PSV and evaluation of intrarenal arterial Doppler parameters such as acceleration time.
C: A parvus tardus waveform with slow systolic upstroke and prolonged acceleration time has been proposed as an indirect sign of a more proximal (upstream) indicator of a significant renal artery stenosis.
D: For accurate measurements of the PSV in any vessel the Doppler angle should be kept at 60 degrees or less because it is the cosine of the Doppler angle and not the angle itself that is factored in the Doppler equation relating the Doppler frequency shift (detected by the transducer) and the PSV displayed on the screen after the angle correction has been factored in. The cosine of the Doppler angle changes rapidly above an angle of 60 degrees and thus any small error in estimating the Doppler angle gets magnified in the calculation of the PSV.

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54. Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY cause for a unilateral enlarged kidney?

Explanation

A: The kidney is reduced in size in chronic pyelonephritis.
B: Kidney is reduced in size in reflux nephropathy.
C: Acute renal vein thrombosis gives rise to diffuse edema of the kidney resulting in a unilaterally enlarged kidney.
D: Kidney is reduced in size in renal artery stenosis.

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55. Which of the following is the MOST sensitive and specific ultrasound finding in ectopic pregnancy?

Explanation

A: Echogenic free fluid in the cul de sac may be seen in ectopic pregnancy however it is not the most sensitive and specific finding.
B: Presence of a non-ovarian complex adnexal mass is the most sensitive and specific ultrasound finding in patients suspected of having ectopic pregnancy. It is due to the bleeding and clotting of blood in the wall and lumen of the fallopian tube as the tube distends to accommodate the products of conception.
C: A pseudogestational sac may be seen in the uterus in ectopic pregnancy however it is a non specific finding.
D: Ring of fire may be seen in ectopic pregnancy but is non specific and may also be seen in a corpus luteal cyst or a dominant follicle.

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56. You are shown a sagittal image of the gallbladder (Figure 1) and a Doppler image of the main portal vein (Figure 2). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Acute cholecystitis is a common cause of gallbladder wall thickening but gallbladder wall thickening is a non-specific sign.
B: Congestive heart failure can cause gallbladder wall thickening. The pulsatile portal flow in the Doppler image indicates CHF is present
C: Hepatitis can cause gallbladder wall thickening but does not cause a pulsatile portal vein.
D: Adenomyomatosis can cause various forms of gallbladder wall thickening but does not cause a pulsatile portal vein.

Findings: Concentric gallbladder wall thickening and markedly pulsatile portal venous flow. Transabdominal image right adnexa Endovaginal scan right ovary grayscale Figure 3 Figure 4 Doppler endovaginal image of right ovary Figure 5

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57. You are shown three images of the right adnexa (Figures 3-5). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Hemorrhagic cyst can have a fishnet appearance but the linear echoes are not echogenic
B: The linear echogenic interfaces or "dermoid mesh" represent hair fibers (Rumack chapter 15 "Gynecologic sonography" p.570)
C: Ovarian carcinomas may have septations and mural nodules but these will typically have flow. (Rumack chapter 15).
D: A torsed ovary may appear enlarged and avascular but the characteristic grayscale appearance has multiple peripheral follicles not a single large cyst cavity with echogenic linear interfaces. (Rumack chapter 15)

Findings: Avascular right adnexal mass with linear echogenic interfaces: the dermoid mesh

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58. You are shown a Doppler image of the left common carotid artery (Figure 6) and of the left internal carotid artery (Figure 7). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Subclavian steal syndrome is diagnosed when there is reversal of flow in the vertebral artery.
B: Vasculitis produces spectral broadening and thickened vessel walls but not absent diastolic flow
C: Absent diastolic flow suggests downstream high resistance as is seen in distal or intracranial stenosis or occlusion.
D: Aortic valve regurgitation can cause abnormalities of the carotid Doppler waveforms but not absent diastolic flow

Findings: Absent diastolic flow in common and internal carotid arteries / High resistance waveform

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59. You are shown a longitudinal image (Figure 8) of the right lower quadrant in a young man with pain and anorexia. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: The tubular structure in the image has a bowel signature but not a "bowel-within-bowel" appearance that would indicate intussusceptions.
B: Lymphoma can cause bowel wall thickening but not luminal distention. The characteristic appearance of lymphoma on ultrasound is a thickened hypo-echoic wall producing the "pseudo-kidney" sign.
C: A distended ureter containing stones will appear tubular and echogenic calculi should be visible but the structure should not be blind-ending.
D: This is a characteristic appearance for appendicitis with a tubular blind-ending structure in the right lower quadrant containing echogenic foci (appendicoliths).

Findings: Tubular blind-ending appendix with appendicoliths. Transvaginal transverse image of uterus Figure 9 Transvaginal sagittal image of uterus Figure 10

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60. A patient who is 10 weeks pregnant by dates presents to the ER because she is passing blood clots. You are shown two pelvic ultrasound images (Figures 9 and 10). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: The complexity and amount of material in the endometrial canal is more than expected for pseudogestational sac of ectopic pregnancy.
B: Although the presented ultrasound appearance could be seen with molar pregnancy this would not be the most likely diagnosis in view of the history of passing blood clots.
C: Although discrete fetal parts or gestational sac are not visualized complex material within the endometrial canal is most consistent with spontaneous abortion in view of the history of passing blood clots.
D: Subchorionic hemorrhage can range in size from a small loculated collection to complete separation of the membranes. Hemorrhage can enter the amniotic fluid and distend the endometrial canal. In the first trimester a normal gestational sac is typically seen adjacent to the hematoma. A normal gestational sac is not present on the submitted images.

Findings: Tranvaginal images of the uterus demonstrate prominent amount of complex material within the endometrial canal but without a normal intrauterine pregnancy or fetal parts identified. Transverse image of left superior kidney Figure 11 Longitudinal image of left kidney Figure 12

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61. You are shown transverse (Figure 11) and longitudinal (Figure 12) images of the left kidney in a 70-year-old man. Which one of the following statements is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Although a focal cortical insult can result in volume loss/scar which then contains adjacent fat the images show a discrete focal hyperechoic mass.
B: The location of the hyperechoic mass at the superior pole of the left kidney is not typical of the location for column of Bertin. Column of Bertin is typically located at the junction of the upper and middle third of the kidney. In addition the degree of increased echogenicity and exophytic component of this mass are not typical of a prominent column of Bertin.
C: Renal cell carcinoma can have a variable appearance including partially cystic hypoechoic isoechoic or even hyperechoic as in the above case.
D: Although angiomyolipomas typically present as hyperechoic focal renal masses differential considerations for hyperechoic renal mass also include renal cell carcinoma.

Findings: Large diffusely hyperechoic mass of the left superior kidney. Transverse image of fetal bladder with Doppler Figure 13 Transverse image of umbilical cord Figure 14

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62. You are shown two images (Figures 13 and 14) from a 2nd trimester obstetric (OB) ultrasound. Which one of the following statements is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Presence of a 2 vessel cord with single umbilical artery has a 30 to 60% increased risk in regards to the presence of other fetal anomalies. Careful anatomic survey should be performed.
B: I could find no association between umbilical cord cysts and a 2 vessel cord with single umbilical artery.
C: I could find no association between prior monozygotic co-twin demise and a 2 vessel cord with single umbilical artery.
D: Two vessel cord with single umbilical artery is an uncommon anomaly found in 1% of pregnancies.

Findings: Submitted images demonstrate a 2 vessel cord with single umbilical artery. Transverse doppler image of fetal bladder confirms presence of only one umbilical artery. Transverse Figure 15 Longitudinal Figure 16

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63. You are shown two images of the neck (Figures 15 and 16) from a patient with a palpable neck mass. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Parathyroid carcinomas are usually lobular heterogeneous with a depth to width ration greater than or equal to one
B: The mass shown is extrinsic to the thyroid gland.
C: Large homogeneous hypoechoic mass in the expected location of a left parathyroid gland.
D: The mass is in the expected location of a left parathyroid gland and is also enlarged.

Findings: Homogeneous hypoechoic mass extrinsic to the thyroid gland. Sagittal Figure 17 Transverse Figure 18

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64. Based on the sagittal and transverse images (Figures 17 and 18) in a 37-year-old woman what is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: The ultrasound images show a diffusely heterogeneous thyroid. The right lobe is top normal in size. There are however no discrete nodules which would be required for a diagnosis of multinodular thyroid.
B: Hashimoto thyroiditis presents as a diffusely heterogeneous appearance of the thyroid. As in this patient diffuse hypoechoic micronodules separated by echogenic septae can be seen. Thyroid size can be increased (in the acute phase) normal or decreased.
C: There are no discrete nodules seen. Colloid cysts present as predominantly cystic lesions in the thyroid they may contain scattered echogenic foci associated with comet tail artifact.
D: The normal thyroid has a homogeneous ultrasound appearance with medium gray echotexture.

Findings: Diffusely heterogeneous thyroid gland. The right lobe is top normal in size. No discrete nodules. Sagittal Figure 19 Duplex Doppler Figure 20

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65. You are shown ultrasound images (Figures 19 and 20) from a patient who had a liver transplant. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: The ultrasound images show a complex cystic mass in the liver. In a patient with fever and sepsis the primary concern should be liver abscesses. The Duplex Doppler image of the main hepatic artery at the porta shows a parvus tardus appearance of the waveform with increased diastolic flow with resistive index less then 0.5. This is a key finding indicating more proximal hepatic artery stenosis or thrombosis. Hepatic artery thrombosis or stenosis are the most common vascular complications in patients with liver transplants and can be associated with ichemic cholangiopathy and liver infarcts as well as abscesses.
B: Lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a know complication in patients with solid organ transplants and can certainly present as hypoechoic masses in the liver. However the hepatic artery Doppler waveform should be normal.
C: Lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a know complication in patients with solid organ transplants and can certainly present as hypoechoic masses in the liver. However the hepatic artery Doppler waveform should be normal.
D: The gray scale images show a complex cystic fluid collections in the liver. Cysts should not be this complex.

Findings: The ultrasound images demonstrate a complex cystic mass in the liver. The duplex Doppler image of the main hepatic artery shows a parvus tardus waveform with increased diastolic flow and a resistive index less than 0.5.

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66. Regarding AIDS cholangitis which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Retroviral therapy does not cause cholangiopathy. AIDS cholangiopathy is usually due to opportunistic infection.
B: AIDS cholangiopathy is most often due to opportunistic infection and therefore commonly occurs in patients whose CD4 counts are less than 100.
C: Patients usually have right upper quadrant pain and elevated alkaline phosphates.
D: This is one of the well-established appearances of AIDS cholangiopathy.

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67. A mirror image artifact is MOST LIKELY in which of the following imaging situations?

Explanation

A: Incorrect.
B: Incorrect.
C: Correct.
D: Incorrect.

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68. Renal vein thrombosis in a transplanted kidney is suggested by which one of the following findings?

Explanation

A: The resistive index is a commonly used measure of vascular function. However in renal vein thrombosis the resistive index will be increased.
B: Prolonged acceleration time may be seen in the intra-renal vessels downstream from renal artery stenosis but not in renal vein thrombosis
C: Aliasing at the arterial anastamosis may be seen in renal artery stenosis but not in renal vein thrombosis
D: Flow reversal in the main renal artery during diastole occurs because the normal egress of blood from the transplant--the renal vein--is occluded. The renal artery becomes both an inflow and outflow vessel with high resistance to downstream flow.

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69. An ultrasound acquisition mode that helps improve resolution and reduce echogenic clutter proximal to the tissues adjacent to the skin / transducer interface is known as:

Explanation

A: Incorrect.
B: Incorrect.
C: Incorrect.
D: Correct.

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70. Regarding peritoneal inclusion cysts which of the following is MOST CORRECT?

Explanation

The correct answer is "Round or oval cyst located separate from the ovary" and "Fluid collection encasing the ovary with margins following the contour of the adjacent pelvic cavity". This is because peritoneal inclusion cysts can present in two different ways. They can appear as round or oval cysts that are separate from the ovary, or they can manifest as fluid collections that encase the ovary with margins following the contour of the adjacent pelvic cavity.

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71. Concerning interstitial ectopic pregnancy which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Interstitial ectopic pregnancy has higher mortality rate due to later presentation and massive hemorrhage.
B: Majority of ectopic pregnancies occur at the ampullary or isthmic portion of the fallopian tube with only 2% to 4% located at the interstitial location.
C: Interstitial ectopic pregnancies usually appear to be located eccentrically in fundus of uterus outside expected region of endometrial canal with thin rim of surrounding myometrium.
D: I can find no known association between interstitial ectopic pregnancy and bicornuate uterus.

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72. Regarding the succenturiate lobe of the placenta which of the following statements is MOST CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Vasa previa is a serious complication associated with a succenturiate lobe in which the vasculature extending to this accessory lobe from the main placenta extends across the cervix and can become entrapted or rupture during labor.
B: Succenturiate lobe is only present in 5% of pregnancies.
C: A rolled up edge or shelf at the edge of the placenta describes the appearance of a circumvallate placenta.
D: A succenturiate lobe does not have a known association with a high risk for abruption.

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73. Which of the following scrotal varicoceles requires evaluation for an underlying neoplasm?

Explanation

A: Idiopathic varicoceles occur on the left side in 98% of the cases and are bilateral in 70% of the cases. Idiopathic varicoceles are secondary to incompetent valves in the internal spermatic vein. It is thought that they occur much more commonly on the left because the venous drainage on the left is into the left renal vein.
B: Idiopathic varicoceles are usually left sided because of the venous drainage into the left renal vein.
C: A varicocele that is nondecompressible should be evaluated for an underlying neoplasm as the cause of the venous obstruction.
D: Newly diagnosed varicoceles in men who are older than 40 years of age should be evaluated for an underlying neoplasm as the source of obstruction of gonadal venous return.

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74. Concerning polycystic ovary syndrome which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: High frequency transducers used for endovaginal ultrasound afford better resolution then transabdominal transducers and thus endovaginal ultrasound is more accurate for the diagnosis of polycystic ovar syndrome.
B: This appearance is usually seen with hyperstimulation syndrome or theca lutein cysts associated with molar pregnancy. The follicles in polycystic ovary syndrome typically measure 2 to 9mm and are peripherally placed.
C: The characteristic findings associated with polycystic ovary syndrome include: increase ovarian stroma which is abnormally echogenic and multiple (more then 12) peripherally placed follicles.
D: Reports regarding ovarian vascularity in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome have varied and increased vascularity is not part of the diagnostic criteria of polycystic ovary syndrome.

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75. Concerning renal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: AVF are found in up to 15% of patient following biopsy. As many patients with renal transplant undergo biopsy to diagnose rejection AVF are not uncommon in these patients.
B: Most renal AVF whether in native or transplanted kidneys are caused by prior renal biopsy.
C: AVF are associated with high velocity low resistance flow diagnosed by demonstration of a low resistance (low resistive index) arterial flow pattern. The turbulent flow is usually also associated with a mosaic of color reverberating over the adjacent renal parenchyma creating a 'color bruit'.
D: Many patients with renal AVF are asymptomatic and the AVF is found incidentally. Only patients with large AVF who have associated symptoms such as significant hematuria need embolization.

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76. Regarding evaluation of endometrial abnormalities in postmenopausal women which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Endometrial thickness should be measured on a sagittal endovaginal midline (or near midline) image of the uterus
B: If there is fluid present it should be excluded from measurement of endometrial thickness. A very small amount of simple fluid may be a normal finding in asymptomatic patients. Larger amount of endometrial fluid should raise the possibility of cervical stenosis or tumor.
C: Although endometrial cancer often presents with post menopausal vaginal bleeding it is in fact not the most common cause of post menopausal vaginal bleeding. Large studies have shown that an endometrial thickness of 4mm or less in patients with post menopausal vaginal bleeding excludes endometrial cancer and these women do not require histologic sampling.
D: As mentioned above several large studies comparing endometrial thickness as measured on endovaginal ultrasound and results from endometrial histologic sampling have shown that endometrial thickness of 8mm-9mm or less can be normal in asymptomatic postmenopausal women.

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77. Concerning the ultrasound diagnosis of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Venous compression is a very important part of the sonographic examination of the veins of the lower extremities. It should be performed on gray scale imaging in the transverse plane so the entire cross section of the vein being examined is visualized. The normal vein should compress easily and completely with light pressure applied by the transducer. Lack of compressibility of the vein is the most important finding associated with deep vein thrombosis.
B: Loss of the normal respiratory phasicity in the external iliac vein is an important indirect sign of more central venous occlusion by thrombus or compression by adjacent mass such as adenopathy. Lack of the normal response to Valsalva maneuver is another indirect sign of more central DVT. Normally The Valsalva maneuver produces an increase in intra abdominal pressure. During the Valsalva maneuver normally there is a short period of flow reversal followed by no flow. After release of the Valsalva maneuver there is a transient surge in forward venous flow.
C: The greater saphenous vein (GSV) is part of the superficial venous system. However the junction of the greater saphenous vein with the common femoral vein should be carefully examined and documented in every lower extremity venous study to exclude extension of a GSV thrombus in the common femoral vein.
D: The sonographic appearance of venous thrombi is variable and depends on the age of the thrombus. Acute thrombi may in fact be anechoic.

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78. You are shown two transvaginal pelvic images (Figure 1 and Figure 2) from a woman with a positive beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Early IUP is not given as a potential answer which would be considered in a patient without gestation sac and positive B-HCG. Additionally submitted images demonstrate right adnexal ring-like mass which in this setting has a 92% positive predictive value for ectopic.

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79. You are shown two sagittal sonograms (Figures 3 and 4) of the liver and a duplex Doppler image (Figure 5) of the main portal vein in a 75-year-old man. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: The sonograms show an enlarged liver extending below the lower pole of the right kidney with smooth borders. Figure 1 also shows a large dilated inferior vena cava and one of the hepatic veins. The duplex Doppler image shows a normal size main portal vein with hepatopedal flow (towards the liver). However the Doppler spectrum is abnormal wuth pulsatile phasic flow rather then the normal monophasic flow. All these findings are caused by right sided heart failure causing passive congestion of the liver. Several studies have shown a correlation between abnormally high portal vein pulsatility and elevated right atrial pressure. Tricuspid regurgitation is the predominant cause of this abnormal flow pattern.

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80. You are shown a color Doppler image (Figure 7) of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: The most common location for shunt stenosis is in the hepatic vein end of the shunt. Shunt stenosis can be identified by ultrasound by localized high velocity flow and turbulence. This associated with incomplete filling of the hepatic vein end of the shunt with color flow makes this the most likely diagnosis.

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81. You are shown two images (Figure 8 and Figure 9) of the lower uterine segment from a second trimester pregnancy. Which of the following is TRUE?

Explanation

A: It is highly unlikely that a complete central placental previa will resolve. Therefore placental position will likely preclude vaginal delivery and require cesarean section.

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82. You are shown two images (Figure 10 and Figure 11). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Images demonstrate a large fetus as well as a much smaller second gestation without cardiac activity. This constellation of findings is most suggestive of demise of one of the twin gestations also known as demise of a co-twin.

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83. You are shown a sagittal (Figure 12) and coronal (Figure 13) image of the left ovary/ adnexal region in a 26-year-old woman with lower abdominal pain. Color Doppler (not shown) did not demonstrate any flow within the lesion. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: The sonogram shows a well defined complex cystic mass surrounded by ovarian parenchyma. There is good posterior enhancement confirming the cystic nature of the lesion. The internal complex pattern has a reticular appearance combined with the more echogenic retracting clot. The age of the patient and the symptoms of pain makes this diagnosis most likely as well. The absence of doppler flow confirms the diagnosis.

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84. Concerning ultrasound imaging of cavernous hemangiomas of the liver which of the following is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Larger hemangiomas may be more heterogenous due to the presence of scar or thrombosis.

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85. Regarding real-time sonographic imaging how is the lateral resolution affected if the depth of field decreases and the frame rate remains the same?

Explanation

A: Given a constant sampling rate of ultrasound pulses with the frame rate constant decreasing the field of view will allow more sampling per frame.

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86. Regarding normal renal anatomy which one of the following is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: The right kidney is usually of smaller volume than the left kidney possibly due to the longer length of the right renal artery and effect upon the right kidney by the liver during development.

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87. Concerning hyperechogenicity of the fetal bowel on ultrasound which of the following is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Hyperechogenicity of fetal bowel is associated with increased risk of IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) and follow-up ultrasound may be helpful to assess growth rates in the fetus with hyperechoic bowel.

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88. How is anencephaly diagnosed with ultrasound?

Explanation

A: Anencephaly is a diagnosis typically made by 2nd trimester ultrasound as evidenced by absence of telencephalon and cranial vault. Remnants of brain stem and rhomboencephalon are present. Absence of cranial vault is difficult to appreciate prior to 10 weeks due to lack of ossification. In addition brain tissue may be more prominent during 1st trimester and does not involute until 2nd trimester due to exposure to amniotic fluid.

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89. Which of the following BEST describes a bicornuate uterus?

Explanation

A: The presence of two separate uterine horns but with single cervix would best describe the appearance of a bicornuate uterus of the choices given.

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90. Concerning massive ovarian edema which of the following is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Massive ovarian edema in most patients is felt to represent intermittent or partial torsion of the ovary which results in some degree of obstruction of the venous and lymphatic drainage of the ovary but with preservation of arterial flow.

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91. Which one of the following BEST describes Mirizzi syndrome?

Explanation

A: Mirizzi syndrome involves impaction of a gallstone in cystic duct resulting in obstruction of common hepatic duct from adjacent inflammation/mass effect. This process is likely potentiated by a parallel course of a low inserting cystic duct and common hepatic duct. Patient may experience acute or chronic cholecystitis cholangitis and jaundice.

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92. Regarding scrotal varicoceles which of the following is TRUE?

Explanation

Scrotal varicoceles consist of multiple dilated veins measuring greater than 2 mm. This means that the veins in the scrotum become enlarged and dilated, measuring more than 2 mm in diameter. This condition is a common cause of correctable male infertility, contrary to the statement in the question. Secondary varicoceles are indeed affected by patient position, as they tend to disappear when the patient is lying down.

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93. After placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) which one of the following is a normal Doppler finding?

Explanation

A: The intrahepatic portal veins usually flow toward and drain through the TIPS shunt.

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94. Which one of the following is TRUE regarding siderotic nodules (Gamna-Gandy bodies) in the spleen?

Explanation

Siderotic nodules, also known as Gamna-Gandy bodies, are small, benign lesions that can occur in various organs including the spleen. These nodules are typically seen as echogenic foci on ultrasound imaging. The term "echogenic" refers to the ability of an object to produce echoes in ultrasound waves, resulting in a bright appearance on the ultrasound image. Therefore, the statement that "they appear as echogenic foci on ultrasound" is true for siderotic nodules in the spleen.

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95. Regarding ultrasound evaluation of a hemodialysis access graft which one is TRUE?

Explanation

A: The peak systolic velocity within the graft is usually 100-400 cm/sec and the end diastolic velocity is usually 60-200 cm/sec.

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96. Concerning adenomyosis of the uterus which one is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Adenomyosis is caused by ectopic endometrial glands and stroma located in the myometrium. There is associated myometrial hypertrophy. These ectopic endometrial glands may become cystically dilated and appear as small 2-3 mm myometrial cysts.

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97. The ultrasound of a 38-year-old G0 P0 woman who has been married for 5 years shows bilateral enlarged ovaries with multiple anechoic cysts and a moderate amount of free abdominal fluid. The right ovary measures 7 x 8 x 8 cm and the left ovary measures 9 x 8 x 8 cm. Which one is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Although the history of fertility treatment was withheld this would be a reasonable assumption given the history provided. In ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome the ovaries are significantly enlarged with multiple cysts. Ascites and pleural effusion can be present.

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98. Regarding the sonographic diagnosis of liver masses which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor) classically presents as dilated intrahepatic right and left bile ductal system that do not meet in the center. The obstructing tumor is often isoechoic to the liver parenchyma or infiltrating and thus difficult to visualize. The tumor may encase or occlude the portal vein at the porta hepatis.

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99. You are shown longitudinal and transverse gray scale images of the uterus (Figures 1A and 1B) of a 32 year-old woman with positive pregnancy test. These findings are most consistent with which ONE of the following types of pregnancy?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Normal intrauterine pregnancy implants eccentrically within the endometrium and not at the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube. The implantation in this case is at the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube as the overlying myometrium is very thin (<5mm).
B: Incorrect. For heterotopic pregnancy one has to demonstrate both intra and extra uterine pregnancy present at the same time.
C: Correct. Cornual pregnancy (interstitial pregnancy) accounts for less than 2 % of pregnancies and is important to recognize as these patients present very late. A major complication is a ruptured uterus. Sonographically it is identified by eccentric location and usually an echogenic band can be seen connecting the ectopic pregnancy with the endometrial stripe called interstitial line (sign).
D: Incorrect. Fimbrial pregnancy is an ectopic pregnancy outside the uterus in the fimbrial portion of the fallopian tube.

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100. You are shown longitudinal gray scale image of the testis in an asymptomatic 57 year old man (Figure 2). A color flow Doppler ultrasound of the abnormal area did not reveal any flow. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Correct. Tubular ectasia is a benign condition and occurs usually in men older than 55 years of age. It is located in or adjacent to the mediastinum testis. It is usually bilateral and is accompanied by spermatocele.
B: Incorrect. Larger serpiginous structures are present in intratesticular varicoceles. The appearance is similar to extratesticular varicoceles and would have blood flow within.
C: Incorrect. Testicular cystic tumors can occur anywhere; however mediastinum testis is not a characteristic location for them. The tubular ectasia occurs classically adjacent to mediastinum testis and is postero-lateral in location. Cystic immature teratoma is the main differential consideration and it usually has rind of echogenic tissue around it.
D: Incorrect. Testicular abscesses have irregular shaggy margins with peripheral hyperemia. They usually occur as complication of epididymo-orchitis or secondary to infection in testicular hematoma.

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101. You are shown a transverse image of the uterus from a 24-year-old woman with a positive urine pregnancy test (Figure 3). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Although ectopic pregnancy should be considered in any female patient with positive pregnancy test and absence of intrauterine pregnancy the large echogenic mass occupying the central portion of uterus would make complete hydatidiform mole the most likely diagnosis.
B: Incorrect. Blighted ovum is characterized by gestational sac without an embryonic pole but of such size that an embryonic pole/yolk sac would be expected. The submitted image demonstrated multiple small intrauterine cystic areas in the context of a large central echogenic intrauterine mass which would be more consistent with complete hydatidiform mole.
C: Correct. The submitted image demonstrates an enlarged uterus with large echogenic mass occupying the central portion of the uterus. Multiple small cystic areas are present and there is no discernable endometrial stripe or fetal parts. Considering this appearance and clinical presentation complete hydatidiform mole is the most likely diagnosis.
D: Incorrect. The submitted image demonstrates no evidence of a embryonic pole which would be expected at 8 weeks. In addition the uterus is grossly abnormal in appearance.

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102. You are shown an image from a second trimester OB ultrasound (Figure 4). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Correct. Bowel loops are seen to extend through an anterior abdominal wall defect and are not covered by a membrane. This appearance is consistent with gastroschisis.
B: Incorrect. Bladder exstrophy is characterized by lower anterior abdominal wall mass inferior to the umbilicus representing the protruding exposed posterior surface of the bladder rather than the free floating bowel loops on submitted image.
C: Incorrect. Although teratomas can appear complex by ultrasound origin from the anterior abdominal wall is not typical.
D: Incorrect. Although bowel loops are seen to extend through an anterior abdominal wall defect these bowel loops are floating free within the amniotic fluid and are not covered by a membrane. This appearance is consistent with gastroschisis rather than omphalocele.

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103. You are shown a longitudinal image of the left kidney (Figure 5). Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The pyramids are echogenic characteristic of medullary nephrocalcinosis. Normal pyramids are isoechoic to slightly hypoechoic with respect to the adjacent cortex
B: Incorrect. On ultrasound the gas will produce echogenic foci with distal dirty shadowing which obscures visualization of deeper structures. This is not seen on these images.
C: Incorrect. This is usually associated with obstructive nephropathy which is not seen here. XGP is suggested with parenchymal thinning debris in a dilated collecting system perinephric fluid collection and stones. These are not the findings in this case.
D: Correct. Hyperparathyroidism is one of the etiologies of medullary nephrocalcinosis. The sonographic findings include medullary pyramids that are more echogenic than the adjacent cortex as seen on these images.

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104. You are shown a midline image in the transverse plane from an abdominal ultrasound in a 40-year-old woman (Figure 6). What structure corresponds to the arrow?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The common bile duct in the transverse plane can be seen as a circular structure in the lateral aspect of the head of the pancreas.
B: Incorrect. The pancreatic duct is at least partially seen in 86% of patients. In the transverse plane it can be seen in the central portion of the body of the pancreas.
C: Correct. In the transverse plane the left renal vein can be seen crossing anterior to the aorta on its way to the IVC.
D: Incorrect. In the transverse plane the splenic vein is posterior inferior to the pancreas and courses from the splenic hilum to join the superior mesenteric vein to form the portal vein.

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105. Concerning the reverberation artifact in ultrasound which one of the following is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. In reverberation artifact echoes decrease in intensity with distance.
B: Incorrect. Reverberation artifact has horizontally positioned linear echoes that are spaced equally.
C: Correct. The highly reflective interfaces causing the reverberation artifact are usually but not always near the transducer. They allow identification of a specific type of reflector such as a surgical clip.
D: Incorrect. Presence of air can be identified by the presence of reverberation artifact. Side lobes are due to radial vibration of the transducer crystal and not the presence of air. Side lobes arise from sound beams that are emitted from the side of the primary beam.

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106. Theca lutein cysts are MOST commonly associated with:

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Patients with Stein-Leventhal syndrome represent a subset of women with polycystic ovary disease that have the clinical manifestations of oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea hirsutism and obesity. The ovaries of polycystic ovary disease can be normal in appearance or enlarged with increased number of small subcapsular follicles. This is significantly different from the large septated theca lutein cysts which can replace the ovaries with elevated hCG levels.
B: Correct. Theca lutein cysts are associated with elevated hCG levels which can be seen with gestational trophoblastic disease and exogenous hCG used for infertility treatment.
C: Incorrect. Theca lutein cysts are associated with elevated hCG levels rather than elevated progesterone levels.
D: Incorrect. Not commonly seen in normal singleton pregnancy.

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107. How is the amniotic fluid index calculated?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Measuring the greatest single vertical fluid pocket in any quadrant is known as the maximum vertical pocket (MVP) measurement and can be used as a method of assessing amniotic fluid.
B: Correct. This is the correct method for determining the amniotic fluid index.
C: Incorrect. Amniotic fluid index does not involve subjective assessment of amniotic fluid or grading scale and divides the uterus in quadrants rather than halves.
D: Incorrect. Although the amniotic fluid index does use the deepest amniotic fluid pocket measurement in 4 quadrants summed dividing by 4 would merely give the average of the fluid pocket measurements.

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108. A didelphic uterus appears on ultrasound as:

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Two separate unfused uterine horns and singe uterine body describes a bicornuate uterus. Bicornuate uterus can have fusion of the entire uterine body or just the lower uterine segment.
B: Correct. Didelphic uterus has two separate unfused uterine horns and bodies. Clinically patient also can have two separate cervices and septated vagina.
C: Incorrect. Normal uterine contour with regards to uterine horns and body but with two separated endometrial canals describes a septated uterus. The septation can be thick or thin.
D: Incorrect. Single normal uterine horn and body with second rudimentary uterine horn present describes a unicornuate uterus.

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109. Fetal head circumference during the second trimester of pregnancy on an obstetrical ultrasound should be measured at the level of the:

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Cerebellar hemispheres should not be visible in plane used to measure head circumference.
B: Incorrect. Cerebellar hemispheres should not be visible in plane used to measure head circumference.
C: Correct. Head circumference is measured at the level of the paired thalami and third ventricle of mid brain cavum septi pellucidi anteriorly and includes the tentorial hiatus posteriorly.
D: Incorrect. Cerebellar hemispheres should not be visible in plane used to measure head circumference.

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110. Concerning programmable ultrasound scanner settings which of the following is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Time gain compensation (TGC) increases the amplification (gain) applied to deeper tissues to create a uniform signal intensity at all depths.
B: Correct. Dynamic range refers to the ratio of the highest to the lowest amplitude displayed on the screen in decibels.
C: Incorrect. M-mode ultrasound uses an equivalent amount of acoustic energy to form an image as compared to grayscale imaging.
D: Incorrect. Pulse repetition frequency is a measure of the time interval between ultrasound pulses.

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111. Concerning ultrasound interaction with matter an ultrasound beam reflected from small (2 mm) kidney stones would:

Explanation

A: Incorrect. A specular reflector is a smooth boundary between two media where the dimensions of the boundary are much larger than the wavelength of the incident ultrasound energy. As the wavelength becomes smaller the boundary becomes rough resulting in a nonspecular reflector surface. Since the kidney stones are small the resulting reflection would be non-specular.
B: Correct. A specular reflector is a smooth boundary between two media where the dimensions of the boundary are much larger than the wavelength of the incident ultrasound energy. As the wavelength becomes smaller the boundary becomes rough resulting in a nonspecular reflector surface. Since the kidney stones are small the resulting reflection would be non-specular.
C: Incorrect. Since the resulting reflection is non-specular sound is reflected in all directions and the amplitudes of the returning echoes are significantly weaker then echoes from tissue boundaries.
D: Incorrect. Reverberation artifacts are generally produced by large objects producing multiple reflections within the object.

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112. Concerning renal calculi which of the following is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Unenhanced helical CT is the accepted initial imaging test in patients with renal colic. Ultrasound would be the initial test in pregnant patients.
B: Correct. Better visualization of the distal ureters especially in obese patients is possible with a transvaginal or transperineal approach.
C: Incorrect. It has been shown that most (83%) of renal calculi will demonstrate this artifact.
D: Incorrect. Asymmetry of the ureteral jets can also be seen with low-grade obstruction.

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113. Regarding the anatomy of the lower extremity veins which one of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The popliteal vein is formed by the junction of the anterior tibial posterior tibial and peroneal veins.
B: Correct. Duplication can involve only a portion of the vein segment or the veins can be duplicated along their entire course.
C: Incorrect. The first deep branches are the anterior tibial veins.
D: Incorrect. These veins are muscular veins and do not have accompanying arteries.

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114. Concerning portal hypertension which of the following is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Correct. If there is a large peri-umbilical vein collateral the flow will be normal in direction (antegrade) in the left portal vein as the peri-umbilical collateral originates from the left portal system.
B: Incorrect. Portal hypertension may be present in patients with livers that have a normal appearance by ultrasound.
C: Incorrect. The size of the spleen does not correlate well with the portal pressure.
D: Incorrect. The hepatic artery is typically enlarged in cirrhosis. Increased hepatic arterial blood flow is an attempt to compensate for the decreased portal vein blood flow caused by elevated resistance in the hepatic sinusoids.

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115. Which of the following is true regarding the upper extremity venous ultrasound exam?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The forearm veins are only evaluated if there is clinical suspicion for forearm venous thrombosis.
B: Incorrect. The basilic and cephalic veins are superficial veins.
C: Incorrect.. The subclavian vein often cannot be evaluated for compression as it lies deep to the clavicle.
D: Correct. Transmitted cardiac pulsatility and respiratory phasicity in the medial subclavian vein and caudal internal jugular vein is used to assess for the presence of a more proximal stenosis or occlusion in the innominate and/or superior vena cava.

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116. Concerning renal allograft complications which of the following is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Sonography is neither sensitive nor specific for allograft rejection.
B: Correct. About 10% of transplant patients can develop renal arterial stenosis typically located at the renal artery anastomosis with the external iliac artery.
C: Incorrect. Urinomas occur in the immediate postoperative period.
D: Incorrect. Mild hydronephrosis of the allograft during the first or second week post transplantation is typically due to postoperative edema at the insertion site of the ureter into the bladder.

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117. Concerning axial resolution in ultrasound which of the following is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect Axial resolution is the same at all depths.
B: Incorrect. The axial resolution is dependent on the pulse length with smaller spatial pulse lengths improving the axial resolution. Smaller spatial pulse lengths are achieved with higher frequency transducers because the wavelength is much smaller and thus the spatial pulse length is much smaller.
C: Incorrect. A high Q transducer has a narrow bandwidth and a corresponding long spatial pulse length which degrades the axial resolution.
D: Correct. Axial resolution is generally better than lateral resolution. Axial resolution is of the order of 1mm or less while lateral resolution could be on the order of 2 to 5 mm.

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118. Concerning polyhydramnios which of the following is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Polyhydramnios an excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid may occur throughout the pregnancy.
B: Incorrect. Paradoxically polyhydramnios associated with UPJ obstruction results in high urine output.
C: Correct. Diabetes mellitus is a common cause of polyhydramnios and frequently involves patients with poor diabetic control.
D: Incorrect. Polyhydramnios frequently resolves spontaneously. These pregnancies are not associated with increase in either morbidity or mortality.

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119. Concerning omphalocele which of the following is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. An omphalocele is a defect in the anterior abdominal wall with extrusion of abdominal contents into the base of the umbilical cord.
B: Correct. Associated anomalies have been reported to be as high as 88% with chromosomal anomalies in up to 60%
C: Incorrect. Omphaloceles increase in frequency with an increase in maternal age.
D: Incorrect. The incidence of omphaloceles is similar to that of gastroschisis 2.5 in 10000 births.

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120. Concerning autosomal-recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) which of the following is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Correct. If the child survives the renal disease in infancy the liver disease will become clinically apparent.
B: Incorrect. ARPKD children may survive a number of years.
C: Incorrect. Multicystic dysplastic kidney size is always proportional to the size and number of visible cysts as compared to ARPKD where the size and number of visible cysts will not account for the renal size.
D: Incorrect. With ARPKD the kidneys are 3 to 10 times normal size in the late stages of fetal life.

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121. Concerning nuchal translucency which of the following is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Nuchal translucency is a measurement of the thickness of only the nuchal soft tissues.
B: Incorrect. Normal nuchal translucency increases with increasing gestational age.
C: Correct. The most common aneuploidy seen with an abnormal nuchal thickness is trisomy 21 .
D: Incorrect. Nuchal translucency should be measured on a sagittal section of the fetal neck.

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122. You are shown two ultrasound images (Figures 1A and 1B) from the right upper quadrant of a 30-year-old HIV-positive patient. What is the MOST LIKELY pathogen?

Explanation

A: C is correct The above findings are concerning for HIV cholangiopathy. HIV cholangiopathy is an opportunistic infection of the biliary tree which may occur in individuals with advanced HIV infection. Marked thick-ening of the wall of the bile ducts and gallbladder is seen. The most common pathogens isolated from these individuals include Cryptosporidium CMV and Microsporidium. Although Candida Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare and coccidioides are pathogens which can infect immunocompro-mised patients they are not considered a common cause of HIV cholangiopathy.

Findings: Markedly thickened gallbladder wall without gallstones or pericholecystic fluid detected.

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123. A 20-year-old woman with a normal quadruple screen has a sonogram at 18-weeks gestational age (Figure 2). What is the MOST appropriate next step?

Explanation

A: The image shows bilateral choroid plexus cysts. Choroid plexus cysts are associated with a low incidence of trisomy 18 . When a choroid plexus cyst is visualized it is important to perform a formal fetal survey to look for morphologic abnormalities such as cardiac abnormalities clenched fists and microg-nathia. A is not correct since amniocentesis is not recommended unless other indications of trisomy 18 are present. In addition the amniocentesis would be to assess for trisomy 18 not trisomy 21 . B is not correct since chorionic villous sampling is performed in the first trimester. D is not correct since it is important to assess for other findings of aneuploidy.

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124. You are shown a single image from a 2nd trimester OB ultrasound (Figure 3). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Correct. The above findings on a 2nd trimester ultrasound are consistent with cervical incompe-tence.
B: Incorrect. The placenta does not overly the cervix; therefore there is no placenta previa.
C: Incorrect. There are no subchorionic or retroplacental fluid collections to suggest placental abrup-tion.
D: Incorrect. A Nabothian cyst arises from the cervix. The visualized fluid collection of vagina clearly communicates with the endometrial cavity via the cervical os.

Findings: Single longitudinal image of lower uterine segment from 2nd trimester OB examination reveals shortening of the cervix and hour glass herniation of membranes through cervical os.

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125. A 28-year-old man presents with mild renal function impairment on routine medical checkup. You are shown a longitudinal sonogram of the right kidney (Figure 4). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is secondary to dilatation or ectasia of the distal collecting ducts and is difficult to identify by ultrasound. When complicated by nephrocalcinosis multiple echogenic foci can be seen in the medullary pyramids.
B: Incorrect. Pyelonephritis is rare in adult males. Majority of kidneys with acute pyelonephritis are normal on Sonography and if abnormality is present it is usually a focal lesion and not diffuse increased echogenicity.
C: Correct. The cortical echogenicity is increased corticomedullary differentiation is decreased and renal sinus fat is decreased. The renal size may be enlarged.
D: Incorrect. Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease is bilateral and usually diagnosed in utero in early second trimester. These children generally succumb to their renal failure. If they survive to adulthood the kidney will demonstrate increased echogenicity with large renal cysts.

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126. What kinds of twins are depicted in the sonogram show (Figure 5)?

Explanation

A: The image shows an 8 week pregnancy with a single placenta with thin dividing membranes surrounding each embryo consistent with diamniotic monochorionic twins. A is incorrect since there would be a thick dividing membrane with dichorionic twins at this gestational age. C is incorrect since there should be no dividing membrane in monoamniotic twins. D is incorrect since the twins are clearly separate.

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127. You are shown color and spectral Doppler evaluation of the right hepatic artery of a 34-year-old woman 72 hours status post liver transplant (Figure 6). Which one is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Normal hepatic artery resistive index is not less than 0.5.
B: Correct. Hepatic artery stenosis is suspected if resistive index is less than 0.5. A low resistance arterial waveform can be seen down stream from the hepatic artery stenosis.
C: Incorrect Pseudoaneurysm have typical bidirectional to and fro color flow pattern
D: Incorrect. Arterio-venous fistula has turbulent flow with arterialized waveform in the vein.

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128. In ultrasound which one of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the advantages associated with transducer arrays when compared to the single-element transducers?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The flexibility of designing in various forms is a key advantage of transducer arrays. These array designs are routinely used in modern systems.
B: Correct. Grating lobes do degrade lateral resolution and are produced by phased array transducers but they are not reduced by transducer arrays. If the examinee does not understand what a grating lobe is he/she ought to be able to identify A C and D as true statements regarding transducer arrays and arrive at B as the incorrect statement.
C: Incorrect. Electronic beam steering is a key feature of transducer arrays.
D: Incorrect. The focal distance of an array transducer may be varied electronically by changing the electronic delay sequence; this is a key feature of a transducer array.

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129. Concerning tunica albuginea cysts which one is TRUE

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Tunica Albuginea cyst are extratesticular in location however when large in size may mimic an intratesticular cyst.
B: Incorrect. These cysts are palpable and patients present with a palpable lump.
C: Correct. These cysts are of mesothelial origin and range from 2-5mm in size.
D: Incorrect. Their characteristic location is at the upper anterior or lateral aspect of the testicle.

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130. Which one of the following commonly causes oligohydramnios?

Explanation

A: Preterm premature rupture of the membranes is the most common cause of oligohydramnios. A is incorrect since only one kidney is needed for normal urinary output and thus normal amniotic fluid vol-ume. B is incorrect since esophageal atresia without tracheoesophageal fistula causes polyhydramnios not oligohydramnios. D is incorrect since dwarfisms may be associated with polyhydramnios not oligohydramnios.

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131. Concerning deep venous thrombosis (DVT) which one is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The venous compression is performed in the transverse orientation of the vein to minimize the chance of the transducer slipping off the vein.
B: Incorrect. Only 10% of the patients with lower extremity DVT have thrombus in the iliofemoral region. It is important to recognize this as these patients present with buttock or groin pain.
C: Incorrect. The diameter of the affected vein is increased in acute DVT.
D: Correct. The compression technique is more sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of DVT compared to other criteria such as augmentation gray scale visualization and color flow Doppler.

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132. Which one of the following is associated with the highest incidence of fetal morphologic anomalies?

Explanation

A: Glucose is a teratogen. Poorly controlled diabetics have a high incidence of fetal morphologic abnormalities such as sacral dysgenesis neural tube defects and cardiac abnormalities. B is incorrect since beta blockers are safe for use in pregnancy. C is incorrect since trauma can cause abruption and thus fetal demise but should not cause a morphologic abnormality. D is incorrect since amniotic band syndrome is typically sporadic and therefore does not have a high recurrence risk.

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133. A patient is seen in the ultrasound suite for early pregnancy with bleeding. She is certain that her last menstrual period was 10 weeks ago. An intrauterine sac is visualized with mean sac diame-ter of 8 mm with a yolk sac but no embryonic pole. Which one is TRUE?

Explanation

A: The findings are consistent with a pregnancy of about 6 weeks but given that the patient is bleeding and by dates she should be 10 weeks follow-up should be obtained. A is incorrect since there is a pos-sibility that the patient is wrong about her dates and dilatation and curettage should not be performed if it is possible that this is a normal early pregnancy. C is incorrect since the pregnancy should not be redated until an embryonic pole is visualized. D is incorrect since no embryonic pole is seen and there-fore the pregnancy is not 8 weeks.

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134. Concerning echogenic intracardiac focus on OB ultrasound which one is CORRECT?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. 90% of echogenic intracardiac foci are located in the left ventricle.
B: Incorrect. There is an association of trisomy 13 and 21 with echogenic intracardiac focus but not with trisomy 18 .
C: Incorrect. Echogenic intracardiac focus is felt to represent microcalcifications of papillary muscles.
D: Correct. Echogenic intracardiac focus is most commonly seen as a normal variant but should prompt careful examination for other abnormalities.

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135. Concerning ultrasound of the endometrium in premenopausal women which one is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Correct. The endometrium can normally measure up to 15 mm during the secretory phase of men-strual cycle.
B: Incorrect. Endometrial fluid should not be included in the measurement of endometrial thickness. The individual walls should be measured separately and added together for final measurement.
C: Incorrect. Thickness and echogenicity of endometrium will change throughout the menstrual cycle.
D: Incorrect. The hypoechoic halo surrounding the endometrium is felt to represent the compact layer of the myometrium and should not be included in measurements of the endometrium.

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136. Concerning ultrasound of partial molar pregnancies which one is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Fetal tissue is typically present in the case of molar pregnancies however multiple anom-alies are usually present due to the triploid karyotype present in most cases.
B: Incorrect. 90% of partial moles are triploid with majority inheriting two chromosomal sets of pater-nal origin and one set of maternal origin.
C: Correct. Focal areas of molar degeneration are present interspersed throughout areas of normal pla-centa in the case of partial molar pregnancy. This results in a thickened and enlarged placenta with multiple cystic areas.
D: Incorrect. The Beta hCG is positive.

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137. Concerning cavernous transformation of the portal vein which one is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Occurs with longstanding portal vein thrombosis and may take up to 12 months to devel-op.
B: Incorrect. Cavernous transformation of portal vein represents development of periportal collaterals in the setting of chronic portal vein thrombosis.
C: Incorrect. No known association between biliary cystadenoma and cavernous transformation of por-tal vein.
D: Correct. Cavernous transformation of portal vein represents development of periportal collaterals in the setting of chronic portal vein thrombosis.

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138. Concerning acute ovarian torsion which one is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Typically presents as enlarged ovary with multiple peripheral follicles.
B: Incorrect. Most common to present in the first 3 decades of life.
C: Incorrect. Acute ovarian torsion is managed surgically.
D: Correct. 50% to 81% of patients have unilateral ovarian tumor (frequently dermoid or parovarian cyst).

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139. Concerning color flow Doppler artifacts which one is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Correct. Twinkle artifact is generated by a strongly reflecting medium composed of individual reflectors such as stones. The twinkling artifact is generated by a narrow band of intrinsic machine noise called phase (or clock) jitter.
B: Incorrect. Aliasing occurs when the Doppler shift frequency exceeds half the pulse repetition fre-quency.
C: Incorrect. Aliasing artifact can be eliminated by utilizing lower frequency transducer resulting in a decrease in the frequency shift.
D: Incorrect. Color 'bleed' is seen when the color in a vessel extends beyond the vessel lumen obscuring the wall or important findings such as plaque. It can be eliminated by decreasing the color gain.

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140. A 50-year-old woman was found to have a 2-cm hyperechoic mass in her right kidney. What follow-up if any should be recommended?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Small < 3cm renal cell cancers can be hyperechoic and can be confused with an angiomyolipoma (AML)
B: Incorrect. MRI is not the test of choice to evaluate for the presence of fat.
C: Correct. CT is the test of choice to assess for the presence of fat to characterize this lesion as an AML.
D: Incorrect. This mass could be a small renal cell cancer. Therefore an unenhanced CT scan needs to be performed first. If this mass is found to be an AML it then can be followed by ultrasound.

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141. A 30-year-old woman undergoing a thyroid ultrasound is found to have multiple nodules. Which one of the following nodules should be biopsied?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. This is a colloid nodule and does not require biopsy.
B: Incorrect. Thin peripheral calcification indicates a high probability of benign lesion.
C: Incorrect: 'Honeycomb' cystic features indicate a very high probability of a benign process
D: Correct. Malignancy is likely in a nodule with microcalcifications.

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142. Which sonographic characteristic of a complex renal cyst requires follow-up with a CT scan and not ultrasound?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. This can be followed up with ultrasound if no other malignant features are present.
B: Incorrect. This can be followed with ultrasound.
C: Correct. This is a malignant finding and CT scan should be performed.
D: Incorrect. This can be followed with ultrasound.

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143. Which one is associated with gastroschisis?

Explanation

A: Gastroschisis is commonly associated with gastrointestinal tract atresias but not with the other abnormalities listed as possibilities.

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144. At what hCG level should you expect to visualize an intrauterine gestational sac?

Explanation

A: A intrauterine gestational sac should typically be visualized when the hCG is 2000 IU IRP

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145. Concerning imaging of a first-trimester intrauterine pregnancy which one is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Correct. Yolk sac is the first fetal structure identified by ultrasound.
B: Incorrect. There is normal separation between the chorion and amnion until 12 to 16 weeks when these structures fuse.
C: Incorrect. The threshold for detecting cardiac activity is 5 to 6 weeks.
D: Incorrect. CRL (crown rump length) is the single best measurement for estimating gestational age by ultrasound between 6 to 12 weeks.

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146. Concerning hepatic adenoma which one is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Correct. Hepatic adenomas have been reported in association with glycogen storage disease in addition to oral contraceptive use. Frequency of hepatic adenoma for von Gierke's disease is 40%.
B: Incorrect. Hepatic adenomas are more common in women.
C: Incorrect. Hepatic adenoma is usually solitary and their size ranges from 8-15cm.
D: Incorrect. The sonographic appearance of hepatic adenomas is non-specific and can be hypo iso or hyperechoic or mixed. They also demonstrate intra and perilesional blood flow.

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147. A 22-year-old pregnant female presents for routine dating examination. You are shown sonographic images through the fetal abdomen (Figure 1A) and the fetal pelvis (Figures 1B and 1C). Which one of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. The multicystic dysplastic kidney contains multiple cysts of various sizes that are not connected but replace essentially all renal parenchyma. The kidney is usually large but can be normal sized. Multicystic dysplastic kidney is usually a unilateral process with a good prognosis. Bilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney is uniformly fatal because of the nonfunctional status of the affected kidneys. In bilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney there is often oligohydramnios and there should be no fluid in the bladder. These features differ from those in the test case.
B: Correct. Posterior urethral valves obstruct the prostatic urethra in the male fetus resulting in a dilated proximal urethra and bladder. Most affected fetuses have sonographically evident hydroureteronephrosis secondary to reflux or obstruction. In some cases the kidneys are small or echogenic or contain cysts all of which are signs of cystic renal dysplasia. Moderate to severe oligohydramnios is common. The features of posterior urethral valves are present in the test case.
C: Incorrect. Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is the most common congenital urinary tract anomaly. Sonographically the diagnosis is suggested by the presence of a dilated renal pelvis and calyces in the setting of a non-dilated ureter and a normal bladder. The degree of pelvicaliectasis and parenchymal thinning is variable. The bilateral hydronephrosis megacystis and dilated posterior urethra do not favor UPJ obstruction.
D: Incorrect. Mesoblastic nephroma (also termed fetal renal hamartoma) is a common renal mass in infants under 1 year of age. The common presenting sign is a painless abdominal mass. Microscopically mesoblastic nephroma contains intersecting bundles of spindle cells dysplastic tubules and islands of cartilage. The sonographic features are usually those of a large echogenic mass with a homogeneous echopattern or heterogeneous echotexture related to areas of necrosis or hemorrhage. Occasionally concentric hypo- and hyperechoic rings surround the mass.
E: Incorrect. The typical sonographic features of prenatally detected autosomal recessive (infantile) disease are bilateral markedly enlarged and echogenic kidneys associated with oligohydramnios and a small bladder. These features are substantially different from those in the test case. The abnormal renal enlargement and echogenicity arise from dilatation of renal tubules creating a multiplicity of sonic interfaces. The cystic tubules are usually too small to resolve as discrete cysts.

Findings: Bilateral hydronephrosis megacystis and a dilated posterior urethra ('keyhole') in a male fetus.

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148. A 27-year-old pregnant woman presents at 19 weeks gestation with size greater than dates. You are shown two sonograms through the fetal cranium (Figure 2A coronal; Figure 2B axial). Which one of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Hydrocephalus is a term used to describe dilatation of the ventricular system. The cerebral cortex is present but can be markedly thinned in fetuses with very severe hydrocephalus. The falx and other midline structures are normal. The frontal horns of the lateral ventricles are separated and the thalami are normal rather than fused as seen in fetuses with holoprosencephaly. The absence of distinct lateral ventricles and the apparent fusion of the thalami make hydrocephalus an unlikely diagnosis.
B: Incorrect. Hydranencephaly is characterized by complete or near complete absence of the cerebral hemispheres which are replaced with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contained within intact meninges. Occasionally a minute amount of cerebral cortex is preserved but is usually not detectable by sonography. Thus in hydranencephalic fetuses sonography of the fetal head demonstrates no cortical mantle. There is variable development of the falx. The finding of an irregular cortical mantle in the fetus in the test case eliminates hydranencephaly as a diagnostic possibility. In addition hydranencephaly is extremely rare and the few reported cases have been primarily in the third trimester.
C: Correct. Holoprosencephaly represents a continuum of anomalous development. The most severe form is alobar holoprosencephaly in which no cleavage of the prosencephalon has occurred. The brain is small and lacks a normal ventricular system. A monoventricular cavity is present; the thalami are fused and the third ventricle is absent. The test case is an example of alobar holoprosencephaly. An intermediate form of holoprosencephaly is termed semilobar holoprosencephaly. A monoventricular cavity with rudimentary occipital horns is present and the thalamus and basal ganglia are totally or partially fused. In the least severe type lobar holoprosencephaly the two hemispheres and lateral ventricles are separated. The frontal horns are hypoplastic but the remainder of the ventricular system develops nearly normally. The basal ganglia and thalami are usually separated. A strong association with aneuploidy has been demonstrated. Prenatal ultrasound can identify the vast majority of affected fetuses before the time of viability.
D: Incorrect. Porencephaly refers to a CSF-filled cyst or cavity within the brain which many communicate with the ventricular system. The cystic space is thought to be the consequence of a vascular traumatic or infectious destructive process that focally damages the parenchyma. The prenatal sonographic findings of porencephaly include a cystic space in the brain parenchyma and a normally formed ventricular system although hydrocephalus may be present. The falx and infratentorial structures are normal. Porencephaly is an unlikely diagnosis in the test case because of the abnormal ventricular system shown in the test images.
E: Incorrect. Anencephaly results from a failure of the rostral neuropore to close and is distinguished by absence of the cerebral hemispheres and accompanying cranium. In this case a normal calvarium is demonstrated which excludes the diagnosis. The diagnosis is usually made in utero. Imaging studies are rarely needed postnatally.

Findings: A coronal sonogram of the fetal head shows a single monoventricle and fused midline thalami. There is no evidence of the formation of distinct lateral ventricles. No falx or other midline structure is identified. A thin rim of surrounding brain parenchyma is present. These findings are most consistent with diagnosis of alobar holoprosencephaly.

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149. A 29-year-old otherwise healthy male with acute renal failure following successful completion of a marathon on a hot day. You are shown two longitudinal images (Figure 3A and Figure 3B) through the right hepatorenal fossa. Which one of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. This mass is solid and hyperechoic in appearance. In contrast a hemorrhagic renal cyst would arise in the renal parenchyma. It may appear echogenic but it should have through transmission.
B: Incorrect. Angiomyolipomas are benign renal tumors composed of varying proportions of adipose tissue smooth muscle cells and blood vessels. Although the sonographic findings in this patient are similar to those of an angiomyolipoma the suprarenal location of the mass excludes the diagnosis of angiomyolipoma.
C: Incorrect. Renal cell carcinomas are typically hypoechoic although up to 30% of renal cell carcinomas under 3 cm in size may be hyperechoic. Again however the suprarenal appearance of this mass and its homogeneous hyperechoic nature make renal cell carcinoma unlikely.
D: Incorrect. Metastases to the adrenal are common but this young patient has no other known malignancy. In addition metastases are typically hypoechoic not hyperechoic as in the test patient.
E: Correct. Myelolipomas are rare benign non hyperfunctioning adrenal tumors composed of varying proportions of fat and bone marrow elements. If enough fat is present (as in this case) these tumors are typically seen as an echogenic mass in the adrenal bed.

Findings: Images demonstrate a 4.5 cm homogeneously hyperechoic suprarenal solid mass.

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150. A 30-year-old female presents with pain in the iliac fossa five days after renal transplant. You are shown gray scale (Figure 4A) and pulsed Doppler (Figure 4B) sonograms of the transplant. Which one of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Correct. Acute renal vein thrombosis (RVT) is a rare complication of renal transplantation (<1% of renal transplant patients) and results in high intrarenal impedance and reduced arterial inflow especially diastolic. Doppler imaging reveals absent renal venous flow with reversed diastolic arterial flow. Grayscale imaging often demonstrates a swollen kidney.
B: Incorrect. Cyclosporine is an integral part of immunosuppressive therapy for renal transplantation. It exhibits an inhibitory effect on antigen-reactive T lymphocytes. Therapy with cyclosporine can result in damage to the renal tubules. Clinical signs include oliguria fever and hypertension. Cyclosporine induced nephropathy does not usually cause an abnormal grayscale appearance. The arterioles are usually spared and so diastolic flow is not reduced or reversed. Occasionally an elevated RI can be seen occasionally presumably because of intrarenal edema or spasm of arcuate arteries. Although the resistive indices are elevated they do not typically result in reversed diastolic arterial flow. The reversal of diastolic flow makes the diagnosis of cyclosporine toxicity unlikely in the test patient.
C: Incorrect. Hyperacute rejection is mediated by preexisting humoral antibodies and occurs during or within hours of surgery. This form of rejection occurs in recipients who have been sensitized by previous blood transfusions pregnancies or a previous graft. Resistive indices can be elevated and diastolic flow reversal can occur in hyperacute rejection. However hyperacute rejection is an unlikely diagnosis in the test case because of the onset of symptoms 5 days after transplantation.
D: Incorrect. Pulsed Doppler examination shows arterial Doppler shifts arising from within the allograft. This means that the renal arteries are patent. Spasm of the renal arteries would dampen or completely obliterate Doppler signals arising from intrarenal arteries.
E: Incorrect. Renal transplant recipients particularly those treated with cyclosporine are at increased risk for the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and lymphoma. Allograft involvement by PTLD or lymphoma causes either an iso- or hypoechoic mass or diffuse cortical thickening which are not seen in the tests case. Moreover one would not expect PTLD to develop within five days.

Findings: Grayscale image demonstrates mild nephromegaly at 14.1 cm. The spectral display of Doppler shifts shows reversal of diastolic flow. This means that intrarenal resistance to arterial inflow has increased. When there is very high resistance to inflow systolic Doppler curves are also reduced to narrow short vertical spikes. This was confirmed in all segments of the kidney and no detectable renal venous signal was obtainable.

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151. A 25-year-old female with a palpable right adnexal mass on routine physical examination. You are shown longitudinal (Figure 5A) and transverse (Figure 5B) endovaginal images of the right ovary. Which one of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Incorrect. Endometriomas most often appear as cystic masses containing homogeneous hypoechoic low level echoes or debris and having irregular walls. If there is a large amount of bleeding of the endometrial tissue during the menstrual cycle endometriomas can appear very echogenic. A solid endometrioma is usually homogeneous with medium-level echoes. Patients are asymptomatic or have dysmenorrhagia dyspareunia or infertility. In the test case the finding of a heterogeneous mass and the presenting symptoms would be very unusual for an endometrioma.
B: Incorrect. Cystadenocarcinoma is typically found in patients over the age of 40. The lack of septations and papillary projections also makes this diagnosis less than likely.
C: Incorrect. Tubo-ovarian abscess tends to be an irregular cystic lesion associated with inflammatory changes elsewhere in the pelvis. It is typically homogeneous and usually contains debris. A dilated fallopian tube is also common. Since pelvic inflammatory disease is a bilateral process the contralateral adnexum is also abnormal Finally patients are asymptomatic and have pelvic pain and vaginal discharge. None of these findings is present in the test images and therefore the diagnosis of tubo-ovarian abscess would be very unlikely.
D: Correct. Dermoids (mature cystic teratomas) may have a very variable appearance ranging from completely anechoic to completely hyperechoic. However a cystic mass with an echogenic mural module (dermoid plug) a highly echogenic mass with ill-defined acoustic shadowing ('tip of the iceberg') bony and odontoid elements a fat-fluid or hair-fluid level or finally as in this case a 'dermoid mesh' are considered to be relatively specific. Complications of dermoids include torsion rupture resulting in chemical peritonitis (rupture occurs in approximately 1% of cases) and malignant transformation (approximately 2% of cases in older women).
E: Incorrect. Part of the cranial end of the paramesonephric duct may persist as a vesicular appendage to the uterine tube the hydatid of Morgagni. Sonographically these are small unilocular thin-walled cysts an appearance that does not fit this case.

Findings: A 4 cm predominantly cystic mass with a heterogeneous echotexture (reticulated mesh-like appearance) arises from and is partially marginated by the right ovary.

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152. You are shown an MLO view (Figure 1) from a post partum patient with a palpable lump. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis? Figure 1-Right MLO view

Explanation

A: A hamartoma is a mixed density mass.
B: An oil cyst may contain fatty content.
C: A galactocele is typically seen in lactating women and represents a focal collection of breast milk. On mammography the galactocele is a low- or equal-density mass which is round and well-circumscribed. It can be of varying density depending on the resorption of its fluid content. On upright mammography a classic finding of a fat/fluid level in the mass represents fat rising to the top of the galactocele while the other milk components layer dependently below.
D: A lactating adenoma similar to a fibroadenoma is a well defined mass which is typically of uniform density.

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153. A patient returns from her annual mammogram following lumpectomy and radiation therapy 4 years ago. New calcifications are noted in the lumpectomy site (Figures 2-5). What is the MOST APPROPRIATE BI-RADS assessment?

Explanation

A: This would imply a negative study when in fact benign findings are noted.
B: The calcifications are those of fat necrosis and are benign.
C: This would imply that the findings are probably benign and would warrant 6 month follow up when in fact the findings are classically benign.
D: Biopsy is not warranted as the findings are classic for fat necrosis.

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154. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis in this patient with unilateral single duct spontaneous serous nipple discharge (Figure 6)? Figure 6-Single view from a galactogram

Explanation

A: Common but not most common
B: Differential but less common
C: Not an intraductal mass
D: Most common cause of symptom and appropriate favored diagnosis given imaging appearance.

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155. A 20-year-old woman presents with a palpable right breast mass (Figure 7). Which is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis? Figure 7

Explanation

A: The mass is solid and does have no cystic components.
B: The most common mass in a 20-year-old is a fibroadenoma.
C: A phyllodes usually occurs in older women and is very large. There are usually cystic areas.
D: Papillomas are usually round and close to the nipple; less likely diagnosis.

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156. You are shown MR images (Figures 8 and 9) of the reconstructed left breast from an asymptomatic patient who is status post left mastectomy. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis? Figure 8-Post-contrast subtracted axial T1 Figure 9-Pre-contrast axial T1

Explanation

A: The lack of symptoms and non-infiltrative type enhancement on MRI makes this diagnosis unlikely.
B: Incorrect.
C: Incorrect.
D: The findings of rim enhancement on MRI with central areas of fat on the non-fat-suppressed image is consistent with fat necrosis.

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157. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate recommendation for this patient with an enhancing lesion in the right breast with its corresponding kinetic curve (Figures 10 and 11)? Figure 10-Right post-contrast subtracted axial T1 Figure 11-Kinetic curve

Explanation

A: For an irregular enhancing mass lesion 6 week follow up MRI is inappropriate. Biopsy is the appropriate recommendation.
B: For an irregular enhancing mass lesion 6 month follow up MRI should not be recommended. Biopsy is the appropriate recommendation.
C: For an irregular enhancing mass lesion routine screening MRI should not be recommended. Biopsy is necessary.
D: Biopsy is the appropriate recommendation in the setting of this irregular enhancing mass despite its benign appearing kinetic curve.

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158. You are shown a CC spot magnification view of the right breast (Figure 12). Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Figure 12-Right CC magnification view

Explanation

A: Radial scars are usually described as having a lucent center rather than central mass-like features.
B: The finding of a spiculated mass is highly suspicious warranting a BIRADS 5 and should be biopsied despite stability.
C: A benign core biopsy result for a spiculated mass should be considered discordant and surgical biopsy should be recommended.
D: Bi-Rads 5 lesion should be biopsied regardless if seen on ultrasound or not.

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159. You are shown an ML magnification view of calcifications in the right breast (Figure 13). Stereotactic core biopsy yielded fibrocystic change. What is the MOST appropriate recommendation? Figure 13

Explanation

A: Not appropriate in the setting of discordant findings.
B: Not appropriate in the setting of discordant results.
C: In the presence of a discordant result surgical excision is the appropriate management.
D: Not appropriate in view of the discordant results.

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160. A 65-year-old woman presents with a newly palpable mass in the left breast (Figures 14-16). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Colloid carcinomas may present as a well defined mass on mammography and ultrasound.
B: Tubular carcinomas tend to present as small spiculated masses.
C: While the ultrasound features may suggest a fibroadenoma the history of this being newly palpable in an older female should make this diagnosis unlikely.
D: It is unusual for invasive lobular carcinomas to present as well defined masses.

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161. A 39-year-old woman had implants placed 3 months ago. She currently indicates a new palpable lump. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis based on the ultrasound image shown (Figure 17)? Figure 17

Explanation

A: There is a solid mass adjacent to the implant. Findings are not compatible with a simple cyst.
B: The implant as seen on the image is intact. There is no evidence for intracapsular rupture. No internal echogenic linear foci are seen.
C: The findings shown indicate a mass adjacent to an intact implant.
D: There is no evidence to suggest implant rupture. For a diagnosis of extracapsular rupture shadowing (snowstorm appearance) would be present.

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162. The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) specifies a maximum dose limit for mammograms of 3 mGy per image. Which of the following describes the conditions under which this limit applies?

Explanation

A: Incorrect.
B: Incorrect.
C: Average glandular dose in mammography is specified using an FDA-approved phantom that is designed to simulate a 'standard' 4.2 cm compressed breast composed of 50% adipose and 50% glandular tissue. The dose limit of 3 mGy per image is defined under these specified conditions. Individual patients may legally receive more than this dose.

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163. The American Cancer Society recommends annual MRI screening for patients with:

Explanation

A: Screening MRI is recommended for patients with a 20-25% or greater lifetime risk of breast cancer. This includes patients with a known BRCA1 or 2 mutation patients with a first degree relative who is a carrier of the BRCA mutation those who have received radiation to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30 and patients with specific syndromes. In a patient with dense breasts on mammography screening breast MRI is not recommended in the absence of other risk factors.
B: Patients with LCIS or those with a 15-20% lifetime risk of developing breast carcinoma are included in those who may benefit from annual screening MRI. However the ACS guidelines indicate that there still is not enough evidence to recommend for or against annual screening in these women.
C: These patients are included in the category of patients for whom the ACS recommends annual screening MRI based on their greater than 20-25% lifetime risk of developing breast carcinoma.
D: Patients with a personal history of breast carcinoma are included in the category of patients who may benefit from annual screening breast MRI. However the ACS guidelines indicate that for these patients there is still not enough evidence to recommend for or against screening MRI.

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164. Concerning architectural distortion identified mammographically which statement is TRUE?

Explanation

A: The most common breast carcinoma is invasive ductal carcinoma NOS. Its typical appearance is that of a dense spiculated mass on mammography. Medullary carcinomas on the other hand are typically rounded masses with well circumscribed margins.
B: A radial scar may present as a spiculated mass with a lucent or dense central area. Radial scars cannot be distinguished from breast cancer on the basis of the central density. As such all spiculated masses that do not represent a post biopsy scar should be sampled for histologic evaluation.
C: When architectural distortion is present on mammography but is not palpable image guided biopsy is the preferred method for evaluation.
D: Although the differential diagnosis for a spiculated mass includes benign etiologies such as sclerosing adenosis and atypical fat necrosis these cannot be distinguished from invasive ductal carcinoma on the basis of imaging alone. As such it is suggested that all spiculated masses that cannot be said to correlate with a surgical scar should be biopsied.

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165. Concerning atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) diagnosed on core biopsy which statement is TRUE regarding short-term follow-up?

Explanation

A: Excision is always suggested when ADH is diagnosed on core biopsy regardless of core biopsy device and regardless of whether all the calcifications had been removed.
B: Excision is always necessary regardless of the modality on which it was detected.
C: Excisional is always suggested regardless if imaging findings are not considered extremely suspicious.
D: Excisional is always suggested regardless of modality or needle gauge.

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166. What is the CORRECT BI-RADS assessment for a patient with multiple bilateral circumscribed masses on a screening mammogram?

Explanation

A: Common response.
B: Correct.
C: Not appropriate from Screening (only BIRADS 0 1 2).
D: Again not appropriate from screening (should work up before recommend biopsy).

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167. What are the and American Cancer Society guidelines for screening mammography?

Explanation

A: Incorrect
B: New USPSTF Recommendations
C: Distractor similarly written to test knowledge
D: ACS recommendation

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168. Concerning male breast cancer which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: One percent of breast cancer cases occur in men.
B: One percent of breast cancer cases occur in men.
C: Although women with the BRCA2 mutation have an 80% chance of developing breast cancer men with this mutation have only a 5% chance.
D: The majority of primary male breast cancers are infiltrating ductal carcinomas NOS. Lobular carcinomas are extremely rare in men.

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169. According to the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) how long after a mammogram is performed must the results be communicated to the patient?

Explanation

A: Incorrect.
B: According to the MQSA final regulations each facility shall send each patient a summary of the mammography report written in lay terms within 30 days of the mammographic examination.
C: Incorrect.
D: Incorrect.

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170. Regarding the use of preoperative MRI to evaluate the ipsilateral axilla in patients with invasive breast carcinoma which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Lymph node size is not a discriminating factor in determining whether a lymph node is involved with metastatic disease or not. Normal lymph nodes can measure up to 5 cm as long as the fatty hilum is maintained.
B: MRI is not sensitive enough in evaluating for axillary metastasis and therefore a normal MRI cannot be used in place of sentinel node biopsy.
C: Incorrect.
D: Incorrect.

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171. Concerning ultrasound guided core biopsy of breast lesions which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Needle localization ultrasound guided core biopsy and stereotactic core biopsy can all be safely performed in women with implants. Direct visualization of the lesion location relative to the implant is important during the procedure to ensure that the implant will not be penetrated by the biopsy needle.
B: Atypical ductal hyperplasia diagnosed by core biopsy must be followed by surgical excision as it may be associated with DCIS or may represent a histologic underestimation of DCIS.
C: As long as the lesion can be visualized with ultrasound it can be cored under ultrasound guidance regardless of size.
D: When planning an US guided core biopsy an attempt should be made to approach the lesion in a way that enables the core biopsy device to remain parallel to the transducer. This allows the needle to be visualized in its entirety and gives more accurate assessment of the needle tip position. Furthermore the needle should be kept parallel to the chest wall to eliminate the likelihood of pneumothorax.

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172. Concerning invasive lobular carcinoma which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common histologic subtype of breast carcinoma. ILC accounts for less than 10% of all invasive breast cancers.
B: Associated calcifications are seen in only 20% of ILC. The most common presentations are a spiculated mass ill-defined or obscured mass and SAD.
C: Up to 1/3 of ILC are bilateral with a higher rate of bilaterality and multicentricity than IDC.
D: Histologically ILC is characterized by small monomorphic cells infiltrating the stroma in single file. A proliferation of angulated oval and elongated tubules lined by a single epithelial layer is characteristic of tubular carcinoma.

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173. You are shown bilateral mammograms (Figures 1-4) obtained on a 66-year-old man. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: The mass on the right has a rounded configuration and is not typical for gynecomastia. B The rounded mass on the right represents a solid mass. Since males do not usually have lobular units invasive ductal carcinoma is more likely than cysts or fibroadenoma or invasive lobular carcinoma
C: Males do not generally develop lobular units therefore fibroadenoma would be unlikely.
D: Males do not generally develop lobular units so this is much less likely.

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174. You are shown ultrasound images (Figures 5 and 6) from a 55-year-old woman who has silicone implants and presents with a palpable lump. Which of the following statements BEST describes the imaging findings?

Explanation

A: The findings do not demonstrate a mass.
B: There is both intracapsular and extracapsular rupture of the implant.
C: There are findings of both intracapsular rupture (linguine sign) and extracapsular rupture (snow storm appearance).
D: Both intracapsular and extracapsular rupture are present on the ultrasound exam.

Findings: Demonstrates the findings of extracapsular rupture with the "snow storm appearance" of extravasated silicone. Figure 6 - demonstrates the linguine sign with 'stair stepping" of the collapsed implant envelope.

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175. You are shown images from a diagnostic workup (Figures 7 and 8) of a 73-year-old patient. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Mucinous is usually round and may resemble a complex cyst
B: Lymph nodes typically have a hilar notch which appears echogenic on ultrasound and are well defined not spiculated.
C: These are usually well defined and rounded.
D: Tubular carcinoma is usually small and spiculated.
Findings: Spiculated mass in the right upper outer quadrant. Ultrasound demonstrates a spiculated mass with hyperechoic rim.

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176. A 65-year-old woman presents with a complaint of left breast thickening. Based on the images (Figures 9-12) what is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Inflammatory breast cancer would present with trabecular thickening and skin thickening.
B: The appearance of focal asymmetric thickening and distortion with the clinical finding of breast thickening is a common appearance for invasive lobular.
C: DCIS usually presents as calcifications. DCIS can be associated with a mass but usually is a spiculated mass rather than distortion and focal asymmetry.
D: Mucinous carcinoma usually presents as a rounded mass.

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177. You are shown bilateral CC views from a routine screening mammogram (Figures 13 and 14). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Direct silicone or paraffin injections result in multiple tiny round eggshell-type calcifications that obscure underlying breast tissue.
B: The skin lesions of neurofibromatosis may be multiple. Classically they are outlined by air. The multiplicity of these lesions and presence along the inframammary fold make this appearance pathognomonic.
C: This rare autosomal dominant condition is characterized by multiple and extensive intradermal oil cysts bilaterally that may be palpable. Mammography shows extensive bilateral well-circumscribed radiolucent masses with a typical appearance of oil cysts but these oil cysts are intradermal in location and are not associated with a history of trauma.
D: Fibroadenomas may be multiple and bilateral. However they are only present within the breast tissue and will not be seen along the inframammary fold.

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178. You are shown magnification views in the CC and straight lateral projections (Figures 15 and 16). What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

A: Calcifications of DCIS often vary in size and shape and frequently occur in a ductal distribution extending toward the nipple.
B: Lobular carcinoma in situ does not classically present with calcifications.
C: Milk of calcium tends to be amorphous or smudgy on the CC magnification view and layering on the lateral magnification view. The calcifications shown here do not change configuration nor do they layer on the lateral view.
D: Secretory calcifications are coarse rod like calcifications extending toward the nipple. They are usually of uniform shape and density.

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179. You are shown a spot-magnification view (Figure 17) from a diagnostic workup of a patient with a palpable lump. What is the MOST appropriate recommendation?

Explanation

A: Fat necrosis is benign (Birads 2). The appropriate management is 1 year follow up.
B: If the appearance of the palpable finding is diagnostic of fat necrosis no further imaging is necessary. In fact ultrasound may be confusing in that it may appear as a complex heterogeneous mass.
C: If the appearance of the palpable finding is diagnostic of fat necrosis no further work up is necessary.
D: If the appearance of the palpable finding is diagnostic of fat necrosis no further imaging is necessary.

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180. You are shown a sagittal subtraction image from a breast MRI (Figure 18). Which of the following statements BEST describes the non-masslike enhancement in the inferior breast?

Explanation

A: This is worrisome for DCIS.
B: This refers to enhancement in a large volume of tissue not conforming to a ductal distribution.
C: This pattern is seen in women with involuted breasts in which there are strands of parenchyma separated by fat. The abnormal enhancement pattern shows distorted trabecular thickening and angulation.
D: This refers to a triangular region or cone of enhancement with the apex pointing to the nipple suggesting a duct or its branches.

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181. You are shown a sagittal subtraction image from a breast MRI (Figure 19). Which of the following kinetic curve patterns is MOST LIKELY associated with this mass?

Explanation

A: This pattern is most frequently seen with benign findings such as a fibroadenoma.
B: Typically carcinomas enhance rapidly but also demonstrate rapid washout.
C: Delayed uptake is often seen in benign lesions.
D: This kinetic pattern is usually associated with malignant masses.

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182. Core needle biopsy of the mass shown in the mammogram (Figure 20) yielded a fibrocystic change. What is the MOST appropriate management?

Explanation

A: FCC are a B9 discordant result as this is a BI-RADS 5 appearing mass. F/U is not appropriate.
B: FCC are a B9 discordant result as this is a BI-RADS 5 appearing mass. F/U is not appropriate.
C: Mastectomies are not performed in a patient without a proven cancer. Lumpectomy first is appropriate to confirm this patient has a malignancy.
D: B9 discordant results should be removed to confirm the histology was accurate. This was a BI-RADS 5 lesion with high suspicion of malignancy.

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183. When digital mammograms are viewed on a soft-copy display workstation which of the following problems MOST LIKELY would be caused by excess ambient light?

Explanation

A: Reflected luminance from ambient light reduces image contrast by reducing the luminance difference between different areas in an image. The contrast reduction is most pronounced at low luminance levels where the percentage added luminance has the greatest relative impact.
B: Reflected luminance from ambient light reduces image contrast by reducing the luminance difference between different areas in an image. The contrast reduction is most pronounced at low luminance levels where the percentage added luminance has the greatest relative impact.
C: Veiling glare is caused by various characteristics of the display components and is not affected by ambient light.
D: Luminance noise is caused by random spatial fluctuations in pixel luminance and is not affected by ambient light.

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184. Concerning complex sclerosing lesions (CSL) which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: CSL does not demonstrate significant enhancement on MRI. Low signal on T1. May be spiculated
B: Usually not palpable even up to 2 cm in size.
C: CSL may be associated with ADH or low grade DCIS. Some pathologists believe that CSL may be a precursor to tubular carcinoma.
D: Most CSL can be small and are usually incidental and unrelated to the finding that prompted the biopsy.

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185. Which of the following mammographic projections would be MOST helpful in evaluating a cluster of calcifications in the upper inner quadrant of the right breast?

Explanation

The cluster of calcifications in the upper inner quadrant of the right breast can be best evaluated using multiple mammographic projections. The cleavage view provides a close-up view of the area between the breasts, allowing for better visualization of the calcifications. The CC magnification view provides a magnified image of the breast tissue, enhancing the visibility of the calcifications. The tangential magnification view provides a side view of the breast, which can help determine the shape and distribution of the calcifications. The lateral magnification view provides a view from the side of the breast, allowing for a different perspective on the calcifications. Using these different projections can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the cluster of calcifications.

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186. When a digital image is viewed which of the following items is MOST LIKELY to indicate that the image may be overexposed?

Explanation

A: Image processing will adjust image density to the same level regardless of exposure level
B: Image processing will adjust image contrast to the same level regardless of exposure level though very excessive overexposure will increase scatter levels which may decrease contrast
C: Spatial resolution depends on detector or CR reader characteristics and focal spot blur
D: The amount of radiation incident on the detector is quantified by an exposure index value. The target exposure index range differs depending on the manufacturer.

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187. Which of the following is a requirement of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA)?

Explanation

A: MQSA requires that every facility send patients a written summary of findings in terms easily understood by a layperson.
B: Patients may be self-referred for screening mammography. However the facility is then responsible to have a system in place whereby the patient receives the actual report and can be referred to a clinician for further treatment.
C: Incorrect as the correct answer is within 30 days.
D: Incorrect as the correct answer is 960 in 24 months.

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188. Concerning inflammatory breast carcinoma which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Inflammatory breast cancer accounts for 1-4% of breast cancer cases.
B: Chemotherapy before surgery or radiation therapy is the current standard treatment of inflammatory breast cancer.
C: MRI may assist in evaluation of response to therapy.
D: Patients often present with peau d'orange due to the skin edema and thickening. The breast may be red and swollen.

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189. A patient undergoes a biopsy for indeterminate calcifications. The result is lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). What is the MOST appropriate NEXT step in management?

Explanation

A: It is appropriate to refer patients for surgical excision following a CNB demonstrating LCIS. There is a significant risk of upgrades to DCIS or invasive cancer at final pathology (15-20%). Too high for short term follow up where we accept <2% risk.
B: It is true that women with history of LCIS are at increased risk for future malignancy but as for management specific to the current diagnosis lumpectomy is adequate for LCIS. Mastectomies should be reserved for women with known cancer unless prophylactic.
C: Currently LCIS is not treated as a cancer (unlike DCIS). Therefore no radiation is necessary.
D: As stated above the risk of cancer is above our threshold for short term follow up.

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190. Concerning a staging ultrasound of the axilla in a woman with newly diagnosed breast cancer which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: This is useful but not the most sensitive (Az of 0.68-0.70).
B: A normal ultrasound does not exclude disease.
C: Morphology is more accurate (Az of 0.75-0.87) than size but normal findings do not exclude disease.
D: Abnormal lymph nodes have a thickened or eccentrically bulging cortex and a diminished hilum. The thickened cortex should be the target at biopsy.

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191. Concerning spontaneous bloody nipple discharge which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Not true (less than 10%)
B: MRI may be more sensitive than galactography for the detection of carcinoma. However no specific MRI features of papillomas have been described to allow them to be distinguished from carcinomas.
C: If galactography is unsuccessful either MRI or surgical duct excision is suggested.
D: Mammography is the primary imaging modality for women with bloody or serous nipple discharge.

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192. Concerning tumor recurrence after breast conservation therapy which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: The risk of local regional recurrence is approximately 1% per year.
B: EIC puts a patient at high risk for recurrence.
C: New calcifications often form at the biopsy site and frequently represent fat necrosis. If they are morphologically indicative of fat necrosis follow up may be obtained rather than immediate biopsy.
D: Breast irradiation does not lead to an increased incidence of tumor recurrence and is necessary following breast conservation therapy.

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193. Which of the following tests MUST be assessed by the technologist on a daily basis?

Explanation

A: Dark room cleanliness
B: Screen film contact
C: Repeat analysis
D: Phantom images

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194. Concerning the imaging of a lactating patient which of the following statements is TRUE?

Explanation

A: Increased vascularity is noted on ultrasound during lactation.
B: The radiographic density increases during pregnancy.
C: Ultrasound has a greater sensitivity (nearly 100%) than mammography in the evaluation of patients with carcinoma. Ultrasound also helps to differentiate whether the palpable area represents a true mass or normal parenchyma.
D: Return to baseline after lactation takes about 3 months. It is advisable to wait three months prior to performing mammography to allow resolution of lactation changes and decrease in breast density.

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195. You are shown a screening mammogram (Figures 1-4). What is the MOST appropriate NEXT step?

Explanation

The mass is spiculated and obscured by overlying breast tissue and needs further evaluation. Spot compression views can further define if a mass if present. Ultrasound can evaluate the axilla as well as the mass in left upper outer quadrant.

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196. You are shown bilateral MLO views (Figure 5) from a screening mammogram. Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

Direct silicone or paraffin injections result in multiple tiny round eggshell-type calcifications that obscure the underlying breast tissue. The appearance is classical and diagnostic.

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197. You are shown a T2-weighted fat-saturated sagittal image of the right breast (Figure 6) as well as an image from a contrast-enhanced subtraction series at the same level (Figure 7). Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

Inflammatory carcinoma can get red and swollen; should expect to improve if mastitis if after a couple of days fo ABX Rx - cancer will not improve in 4-5 days w/ ABX - hallmark of inflammatory carcinoma--> clogging of dermal On MRI benign cysts appear as high signal intensity masses on the T2-weighted images but do not enhance following the administration of contrast. As such on a corresponding subtraction image there is not evidence of enhancement and hence no bright signal.

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198. A 60-year-old woman presents after a full course of antibiotic therapy. You are shown bilateral CC views (Figures 8 and 9). Which of the following is the MOST appropriate recommendation?

Explanation

The presence of carcinoma in the dermal lymphatics is helpful to definitively diagnose inflammatory carcinoma.

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199. You are shown an ultrasound of a breast mass (Figure 10). Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Explanation

Typically a complex cystic mass on ultrasound

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200. You are shown a craniocaudal view of the breast (Figure 11). A well-positioned MLO view does not show a corresponding abnormality. What is the MOST LIKELY diagnosis? - generally seen on MLO view but NOT on

Explanation

Soft tissue density in the medial aspect of the breast on CC projection with this typical configuration and no corresponding abnormality on MLO view most likely represents the sternalis muscle. Further evaluation can be obtained with CT or MRI.

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