Abdominal and GI imaging: multicystic dysplastic kidney: 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: multicystic dysplastic kidney

Sample item

An antenatal scan shows a kidney replaced by multiple non-communicating cysts of varying size with no identifiable normal parenchyma. DMSA postnatally shows no function. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Multicystic dysplastic kidney

In a multicystic dysplastic kidney the cysts do not communicate and there is no normal parenchyma or excretory function. Most involute over time and are managed conservatively with follow-up of the contralateral kidney.

Option by option

  • A. Multicystic dysplastic kidney (correct)

    Correct. Non-communicating cysts of varying size in a non-functioning kidney define it.

  • B. Wilms tumour

    Wilms tumour is a solid mass, not a replacement by multiple cysts.

  • C. Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease

    ARPKD is bilateral with symmetrically enlarged, echogenic kidneys.

  • D. Pelviureteric junction obstruction

    PUJ obstruction shows a dilated pelvis communicating with peripheral calyces and some preserved function.

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, Multicystic dysplastic kidney. In a multicystic dysplastic kidney the cysts do not communicate and there is no normal parenchyma or excretory function.

Why is "Wilms tumour" not the answer?

Wilms tumour is a solid mass, not a replacement by multiple cysts.

Why is "Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease" not the answer?

ARPKD is bilateral with symmetrically enlarged, echogenic kidneys.

Why is "Pelviureteric junction obstruction" not the answer?

PUJ obstruction shows a dilated pelvis communicating with peripheral calyces and some preserved function.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Abdominal and GI imaging: multicystic dysplastic kidney in Radiology. Most involute over time and are managed conservatively with follow-up of the contralateral kidney.

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: multicystic dysplastic kidney?

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.