Cardiac imaging: left ventricular aneurysm: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Cardiac imaging: left ventricular aneurysm

Sample item

Six months after an anterior myocardial infarction, a patient has persistent ST elevation on the ECG and a bulge on the left heart border of the chest film with a curvilinear rim of calcification. What is the likely diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. True left ventricular aneurysm

An akinetic or dyskinetic thinned scar bulges from the left ventricle, and can calcify; the ECG often shows persistent ST elevation. Echocardiography or MRI shows a wide-necked bulge with thin fibrous wall.

Option by option

  • A. Pericardial effusion

    An effusion enlarges the cardiac silhouette globally.

  • B. Left atrial enlargement

    Left atrial enlargement shows splaying of the carina and a double density.

  • C. Aortic dissection

    Aortic dissection shows mediastinal widening and a displaced intimal calcium.

  • D. True left ventricular aneurysm (correct)

    Correct. A bulge with rim calcification and persistent ST elevation points to an aneurysm.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is D, True left ventricular aneurysm. An akinetic or dyskinetic thinned scar bulges from the left ventricle, and can calcify; the ECG often shows persistent ST elevation.

Why is "Pericardial effusion" not the answer?

An effusion enlarges the cardiac silhouette globally.

Why is "Left atrial enlargement" not the answer?

Left atrial enlargement shows splaying of the carina and a double density.

Why is "Aortic dissection" not the answer?

Aortic dissection shows mediastinal widening and a displaced intimal calcium.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiac imaging: left ventricular aneurysm in Radiology. Echocardiography or MRI shows a wide-necked bulge with thin fibrous wall.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Cardiac imaging: left ventricular aneurysm?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.