Abdominal and GI imaging: anorectal malformation level: 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: anorectal malformation level

Sample item

A newborn boy with imperforate anus has a cross-table lateral film taken prone after allowing time for gas to reach the rectal pouch. The pouch ends above the pubococcygeal line. How is the malformation classified?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Supralevator (high)

The pubococcygeal line marks the levator ani. A rectal pouch above it denotes a high anomaly, which usually needs a diverting colostomy first, while low anomalies can often be corrected with a perineal procedure.

Option by option

  • A. Infralevator (low)

    Low anomalies pass below the line through the levator sling.

  • B. Cloacal type

    A cloacal malformation is a female anomaly with a common channel for urethra, vagina and rectum.

  • C. Translevator (intermediate)

    Intermediate anomalies end at or just below the line, near the ischial point.

  • D. Supralevator (high) (correct)

    Correct. A pouch above the pubococcygeal line is a supralevator anomaly.

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 D, Supralevator (high). The pubococcygeal line marks the levator ani.

Why is "Infralevator (low)" not the answer?

Low anomalies pass below the line through the levator sling.

Why is "Cloacal type" not the answer?

A cloacal malformation is a female anomaly with a common channel for urethra, vagina and rectum.

Why is "Translevator (intermediate)" not the answer?

Intermediate anomalies end at or just below the line, near the ischial point.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Abdominal and GI imaging: anorectal malformation level in Radiology. A rectal pouch above it denotes a high anomaly, which usually needs a diverting colostomy first, while low anomalies can often be corrected with a perineal procedure.

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: anorectal malformation level?

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.