Pancreatic imaging: carcinoma head: 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.

Try it

Radiology · Pancreatic imaging: carcinoma head

Sample item

A patient with painless obstructive jaundice has CT showing dilatation of both the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct. Which sign is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Double duct sign suggesting a pancreatic head or periampullary mass

Simultaneous dilatation of the common bile duct and main pancreatic duct suggests an obstructing lesion at the ampulla or pancreatic head, commonly carcinoma. A hypoattenuating mass on pancreatic-phase CT is typical. Vascular involvement determines resectability.

Option by option

  • A. String of pearls sign

    String of pearls suggests chronic pancreatitis or sclerosing cholangitis with beaded ducts.

  • B. Double duct sign suggesting a pancreatic head or periampullary mass (correct)

    Correct. Dilated CBD and pancreatic duct form the double duct sign.

  • C. Target sign

    The target sign relates to bowel intussusception or the bowel wall.

  • D. Cluster of grapes sign

    Cluster of grapes appears in botryoid tumours or choledochal disease.

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.

More Radiology questions

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, Double duct sign suggesting a pancreatic head or periampullary mass. Simultaneous dilatation of the common bile duct and main pancreatic duct suggests an obstructing lesion at the ampulla or pancreatic head, commonly carcinoma.

Why is "String of pearls sign" not the answer?

String of pearls suggests chronic pancreatitis or sclerosing cholangitis with beaded ducts.

Why is "Target sign" not the answer?

The target sign relates to bowel intussusception or the bowel wall.

Why is "Cluster of grapes sign" not the answer?

Cluster of grapes appears in botryoid tumours or choledochal disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pancreatic imaging: carcinoma head in Radiology. A hypoattenuating mass on pancreatic-phase CT is typical. Vascular involvement determines resectability.

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 Pancreatic imaging: carcinoma head?

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.