Abdominal and GI imaging: superior mesenteric artery 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 · Abdominal and GI imaging: superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Sample item

A young woman with marked weight loss has postprandial vomiting. Barium shows a dilated stomach and duodenum with an abrupt vertical cut-off of the third part of the duodenum as it crosses the midline. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Loss of the retroperitoneal fat pad narrows the aortomesenteric angle, so the third part of the duodenum is compressed between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. Symptoms often improve on lying prone or in the left lateral position, and with weight gain.

Option by option

  • A. Duodenal adenocarcinoma

    A carcinoma shows an irregular mass or apple-core narrowing, not a smooth vertical cut-off.

  • B. Annular pancreas

    An annular pancreas obstructs the second part of the duodenum.

  • C. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (correct)

    Correct. A cut-off at the third part where it crosses the midline, after weight loss, fits the syndrome.

  • D. Duodenal web

    A web is a thin membrane with a windsock deformity, usually presenting in infancy.

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 C, Superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Loss of the retroperitoneal fat pad narrows the aortomesenteric angle, so the third part of the duodenum is compressed between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta.

Why is "Duodenal adenocarcinoma" not the answer?

A carcinoma shows an irregular mass or apple-core narrowing, not a smooth vertical cut-off.

Why is "Annular pancreas" not the answer?

An annular pancreas obstructs the second part of the duodenum.

Why is "Duodenal web" not the answer?

A web is a thin membrane with a windsock deformity, usually presenting in infancy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Abdominal and GI imaging: superior mesenteric artery syndrome in Radiology. Symptoms often improve on lying prone or in the left lateral position, and with weight gain.

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 Abdominal and GI imaging: superior mesenteric artery 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.