Chest CT: pulmonary embolism: 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.

Try it

Radiology · Chest CT: pulmonary embolism

Sample item

What CT pulmonary angiography finding indicates an acute pulmonary embolus?

ADiffuse calcification of the pleuraBContrast filling defect within a pulmonary arteryCUniform hyperinflation of both lungsDA ground-glass nodule alone

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Contrast filling defect within a pulmonary artery

An acute pulmonary embolus appears as an intraluminal contrast filling defect on a correctly timed CT pulmonary angiogram. Interpretation is combined with clinical probability and scan quality.

Option by option

A. Diffuse calcification of the pleura
Pleural calcification usually reflects prior pleural disease.
B. Contrast filling defect within a pulmonary artery (correct)
Correct. A vascular filling defect is the direct CT sign of embolus.
C. Uniform hyperinflation of both lungs
Hyperinflation suggests obstructive lung disease.
D. A ground-glass nodule alone
A ground-glass nodule is nonspecific and not a direct embolic sign.

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, Contrast filling defect within a pulmonary artery. An acute pulmonary embolus appears as an intraluminal contrast filling defect on a correctly timed CT pulmonary angiogram.

Why is "Diffuse calcification of the pleura" not the answer?

Pleural calcification usually reflects prior pleural disease.

Why is "Uniform hyperinflation of both lungs" not the answer?

Hyperinflation suggests obstructive lung disease.

Why is "A ground-glass nodule alone" not the answer?

A ground-glass nodule is nonspecific and not a direct embolic sign.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chest CT: pulmonary embolism in Radiology. Interpretation is combined with clinical probability and scan quality.

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 Chest CT: pulmonary embolism?

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.