Scrotal imaging: varicocele: 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 · Scrotal imaging: varicocele

Sample item

A young man with a dragging left scrotal ache has an ultrasound showing multiple tortuous tubular anechoic structures over 3 mm in diameter behind the testis, with flow reversal on Valsalva. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Varicocele

A varicocele is a dilated pampiniform venous plexus that is more common on the left and fills on standing or Valsalva. A sudden new left varicocele in an older man should prompt a search for a renal or retroperitoneal mass.

Option by option

  • A. Spermatocele

    A spermatocele is a cyst in the epididymal head.

  • B. Varicocele (correct)

    Correct. Dilated veins with reflux on Valsalva define a varicocele.

  • C. Testicular torsion

    Torsion shows reduced or absent flow in an enlarged testis.

  • D. Hydrocele

    A hydrocele is a simple fluid collection around the testis.

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 B, Varicocele. A varicocele is a dilated pampiniform venous plexus that is more common on the left and fills on standing or Valsalva.

Why is "Spermatocele" not the answer?

A spermatocele is a cyst in the epididymal head.

Why is "Testicular torsion" not the answer?

Torsion shows reduced or absent flow in an enlarged testis.

Why is "Hydrocele" not the answer?

A hydrocele is a simple fluid collection around the testis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Scrotal imaging: varicocele in Radiology. A sudden new left varicocele in an older man should prompt a search for a renal or retroperitoneal mass.

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 Scrotal imaging: varicocele?

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.