Chest imaging: lobar collapse: 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: lobar collapse

Sample item

A chest radiograph in a smoker shows a triangular dense opacity in the right upper zone with upward displacement of the horizontal fissure and tracheal deviation to the right. Which sign is classically described when a central hilar mass causes this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Golden S sign of Reidel

In right upper lobe collapse due to a proximal obstructing mass, the elevated minor fissure forms a convex curve laterally over the mass, producing an S-shaped contour. This is the Golden S sign and suggests bronchogenic carcinoma. Westermark and Hampton signs are features of pulmonary embolism.

Option by option

  • A. Hampton hump

    Hampton hump is a pleural-based wedge opacity from infarction.

  • B. Golden S sign of Reidel (correct)

    Correct. The Golden S sign indicates right upper lobe collapse over a hilar mass.

  • C. Jug handle sign

    Jug handle refers to the superior vena cava or other contexts, not collapse.

  • D. Westermark sign

    Westermark sign is focal oligaemia in pulmonary embolism.

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 B, Golden S sign of Reidel. In right upper lobe collapse due to a proximal obstructing mass, the elevated minor fissure forms a convex curve laterally over the mass, producing an S-shaped contour.

Why is "Hampton hump" not the answer?

Hampton hump is a pleural-based wedge opacity from infarction.

Why is "Jug handle sign" not the answer?

Jug handle refers to the superior vena cava or other contexts, not collapse.

Why is "Westermark sign" not the answer?

Westermark sign is focal oligaemia in pulmonary embolism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chest imaging: lobar collapse in Radiology. This is the Golden S sign and suggests bronchogenic carcinoma. Westermark and Hampton signs are features of pulmonary embolism.

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 imaging: lobar collapse?

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.