Fluoroscopy: contrast swallow: 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 · Fluoroscopy: contrast swallow

Sample item

A contrast swallow demonstrates contrast leaking from the esophagus into the mediastinum after forceful vomiting. What diagnosis is suggested?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Esophageal perforation

Extraluminal contrast after a swallow study indicates a leak and raises concern for esophageal perforation. This is a serious condition requiring urgent surgical or specialist management.

Option by option

  • A. Esophageal perforation (correct)

    Correct. Mediastinal contrast leak is direct evidence of perforation.

  • B. Gastroesophageal reflux alone

    Reflux does not produce extraluminal contrast leakage.

  • C. Achalasia

    Achalasia shows impaired relaxation and a tapered distal esophagus.

  • D. Hiatus hernia

    Hiatus hernia is herniation through the diaphragmatic hiatus.

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 A, Esophageal perforation. Extraluminal contrast after a swallow study indicates a leak and raises concern for esophageal perforation.

Why is "Gastroesophageal reflux alone" not the answer?

Reflux does not produce extraluminal contrast leakage.

Why is "Achalasia" not the answer?

Achalasia shows impaired relaxation and a tapered distal esophagus.

Why is "Hiatus hernia" not the answer?

Hiatus hernia is herniation through the diaphragmatic hiatus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fluoroscopy: contrast swallow in Radiology. This is a serious condition requiring urgent surgical or specialist management.

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 Fluoroscopy: contrast swallow?

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.