Splenic imaging: infarct: 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 · Splenic imaging: infarct

Sample item

A patient with atrial fibrillation presents with left upper quadrant pain. Contrast CT shows a wedge-shaped, peripheral, non-enhancing area in the spleen with its base toward the capsule. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Splenic infarct

Arterial occlusion by emboli gives a wedge-shaped peripheral perfusion defect with its apex toward the hilum. Causes include atrial fibrillation, endocarditis and haemoglobinopathies.

Option by option

  • A. Splenic infarct (correct)

    Correct. A peripheral wedge defect after an embolic source is an infarct.

  • B. Splenic abscess

    An abscess is a rounded collection with a rim and gas in places.

  • C. Splenic lymphoma

    Lymphoma presents as discrete masses or diffuse enlargement.

  • D. Splenic laceration

    A laceration is a linear defect after trauma.

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.

More Radiology questions

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is A, Splenic infarct. Arterial occlusion by emboli gives a wedge-shaped peripheral perfusion defect with its apex toward the hilum.

Why is "Splenic abscess" not the answer?

An abscess is a rounded collection with a rim and gas in places.

Why is "Splenic lymphoma" not the answer?

Lymphoma presents as discrete masses or diffuse enlargement.

Why is "Splenic laceration" not the answer?

A laceration is a linear defect after trauma.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Splenic imaging: infarct in Radiology. Causes include atrial fibrillation, endocarditis and haemoglobinopathies.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Splenic imaging: infarct?

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.