GI imaging: caecal volvulus: 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 · GI imaging: caecal volvulus

Sample item

Which radiographic feature favours a caecal volvulus over a sigmoid volvulus?

AGround-glass appearance in the pelvisBPneumatosis with portal venous gasCDilated comma-shaped loop in the left upper quadrant with absent gas in the right iliac fossaDInverted U loop rising from the pelvis

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Dilated comma-shaped loop in the left upper quadrant with absent gas in the right iliac fossa

The twisted and distended caecum migrates to the left upper quadrant, appearing as a kidney-shaped gas shadow with an empty right iliac fossa and small bowel dilatation. Sigmoid volvulus shows an inverted U-shaped loop from the pelvis. Treatment of caecal volvulus is surgical.

Option by option

A. Ground-glass appearance in the pelvis
Ground glass pelvis suggests ascites or fluid.
B. Pneumatosis with portal venous gas
Pneumatosis with portal venous gas suggests bowel ischaemia.
C. Dilated comma-shaped loop in the left upper quadrant with absent gas in the right iliac fossa (correct)
Correct. A displaced, dilated caecum with an empty right iliac fossa suggests a caecal volvulus.
D. Inverted U loop rising from the pelvis
This describes sigmoid 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.

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Dilated comma-shaped loop in the left upper quadrant with absent gas in the right iliac fossa. The twisted and distended caecum migrates to the left upper quadrant, appearing as a kidney-shaped gas shadow with an empty right iliac fossa and small bowel dilatation.

Why is "Ground-glass appearance in the pelvis" not the answer?

Ground glass pelvis suggests ascites or fluid.

Why is "Pneumatosis with portal venous gas" not the answer?

Pneumatosis with portal venous gas suggests bowel ischaemia.

Why is "Inverted U loop rising from the pelvis" not the answer?

This describes sigmoid volvulus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests GI imaging: caecal volvulus in Radiology. Sigmoid volvulus shows an inverted U-shaped loop from the pelvis. Treatment of caecal volvulus is surgical.

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 GI imaging: caecal volvulus?

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.