Chest imaging: pneumothorax on supine film: 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 · Chest imaging: pneumothorax on supine film

Sample item

A trauma patient is imaged supine. Which finding on the chest radiograph suggests an anterior pneumothorax?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Deep sulcus sign

In the supine position, air collects anteromedially and basally, deepening the costophrenic sulcus, called the deep sulcus sign. The visceral pleural line may not be visible. Ultrasound or CT is more sensitive.

Option by option

  • A. Deep sulcus sign (correct)

    Correct. A deep, lucent costophrenic sulcus suggests a supine pneumothorax.

  • B. Kerley B lines

    Kerley B lines indicate interstitial oedema.

  • C. Air bronchogram

    Air bronchogram indicates airspace consolidation.

  • D. Meniscus sign

    Meniscus sign indicates fluid in the pleural space.

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, Deep sulcus sign. In the supine position, air collects anteromedially and basally, deepening the costophrenic sulcus, called the deep sulcus sign.

Why is "Kerley B lines" not the answer?

Kerley B lines indicate interstitial oedema.

Why is "Air bronchogram" not the answer?

Air bronchogram indicates airspace consolidation.

Why is "Meniscus sign" not the answer?

Meniscus sign indicates fluid in the pleural space.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chest imaging: pneumothorax on supine film in Radiology. The visceral pleural line may not be visible. Ultrasound or CT is more sensitive.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 imaging: pneumothorax on supine film?

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.