MSK imaging: ultrasound in carpal tunnel syndrome: 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 · MSK imaging: ultrasound in carpal tunnel syndrome

Sample item

A woman has night-time tingling in her thumb, index and middle fingers. Which ultrasound finding supports carpal tunnel syndrome?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Enlarged cross-sectional area of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet

Compression causes swelling of the median nerve proximal to or at the tunnel inlet, increasing its cross-sectional area, sometimes with flattening within the tunnel. Ultrasound also shows tenosynovitis or masses. Nerve conduction studies remain the physiological test.

Option by option

  • A. Thinning of the median nerve

    The nerve swells rather than thins.

  • B. Enlarged cross-sectional area of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet (correct)

    Correct. Nerve enlargement at the inlet supports the diagnosis.

  • C. Calcification of the ulnar nerve

    Ulnar nerve calcification does not feature.

  • D. Normal nerve with loss of the flexor retinaculum

    The retinaculum is not lost.

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 B, Enlarged cross-sectional area of the median nerve at the tunnel inlet. Compression causes swelling of the median nerve proximal to or at the tunnel inlet, increasing its cross-sectional area, sometimes with flattening within the tunnel.

Why is "Thinning of the median nerve" not the answer?

The nerve swells rather than thins.

Why is "Calcification of the ulnar nerve" not the answer?

Ulnar nerve calcification does not feature.

Why is "Normal nerve with loss of the flexor retinaculum" not the answer?

The retinaculum is not lost.

What concept does this question test?

It tests MSK imaging: ultrasound in carpal tunnel syndrome in Radiology. Ultrasound also shows tenosynovitis or masses. Nerve conduction studies remain the physiological test.

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 MSK imaging: ultrasound in carpal tunnel syndrome?

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.