Ultrasound: 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 · Ultrasound

Sample item

What creates comet-tail reverberation artefact on ultrasound?

AMovement of red cells onlyBRepeated reflections between closely spaced strong interfacesCLoss of Doppler signalDComplete absence of sound reflection

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Repeated reflections between closely spaced strong interfaces

Comet-tail artefact occurs when ultrasound pulses repeatedly reflect between closely spaced highly reflective interfaces, creating a tapering echogenic trail.

Option by option

A. Movement of red cells only
Red-cell motion creates Doppler shift.
B. Repeated reflections between closely spaced strong interfaces (correct)
Correct: repeated reflections generate the tail.
C. Loss of Doppler signal
Signal loss is not comet-tail mechanism.
D. Complete absence of sound reflection
No reflection would create an anechoic region.

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.

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, Repeated reflections between closely spaced strong interfaces. Comet-tail artefact occurs when ultrasound pulses repeatedly reflect between closely spaced highly reflective interfaces, creating a tapering echogenic trail.

Why is "Movement of red cells only" not the answer?

Red-cell motion creates Doppler shift.

Why is "Loss of Doppler signal" not the answer?

Signal loss is not comet-tail mechanism.

Why is "Complete absence of sound reflection" not the answer?

No reflection would create an anechoic region.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Ultrasound in Radiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: repeated reflections generate the tail.

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 Ultrasound?

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.