Paediatric imaging: intussusception: 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 · Paediatric imaging: intussusception

Sample item

A 9-month-old child has intermittent colicky pain, red currant jelly stools and a sausage-shaped mass. Which ultrasound finding is characteristic?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Target (doughnut) sign on transverse section

Intussusception appears on ultrasound as concentric rings (target or doughnut sign) in cross-section, and a pseudo-kidney sign in longitudinal section. Air or saline enema reduction is both diagnostic and therapeutic in uncomplicated cases. Perforation and peritonitis are contraindications to enema reduction.

Option by option

  • A. Hypoechoic muscle ring in the pylorus

    A thickened pyloric ring is seen in pyloric stenosis.

  • B. Target (doughnut) sign on transverse section (correct)

    Correct. A concentric ring pattern is the target sign.

  • C. Pseudo-kidney sign of a normal bowel

    Pseudo-kidney sign is seen in intussusception on longitudinal view and is not normal.

  • D. Whirlpool sign alone

    The whirlpool sign indicates malrotation with midgut volvulus.

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, Target (doughnut) sign on transverse section. Intussusception appears on ultrasound as concentric rings (target or doughnut sign) in cross-section, and a pseudo-kidney sign in longitudinal section.

Why is "Hypoechoic muscle ring in the pylorus" not the answer?

A thickened pyloric ring is seen in pyloric stenosis.

Why is "Pseudo-kidney sign of a normal bowel" not the answer?

Pseudo-kidney sign is seen in intussusception on longitudinal view and is not normal.

Why is "Whirlpool sign alone" not the answer?

The whirlpool sign indicates malrotation with midgut volvulus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric imaging: intussusception in Radiology. Air or saline enema reduction is both diagnostic and therapeutic in uncomplicated cases. Perforation and peritonitis are contraindications to enema reduction.

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 Paediatric imaging: intussusception?

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.