GI imaging: oesophageal varices: 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: oesophageal varices

Sample item

A barium swallow in a patient with portal hypertension shows serpiginous filling defects in the lower oesophagus. What does this represent?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Oesophageal varices

Varices produce worm-like, tortuous filling defects, most prominent when the oesophagus is relaxed. Endoscopy is the investigation of choice. A web shows a thin anterior membrane in the cervical oesophagus.

Option by option

  • A. Oesophageal varices (correct)

    Correct. Serpiginous filling defects indicate varices.

  • B. Oesophageal web

    A web shows a thin shelf-like filling defect in the upper oesophagus.

  • C. Zenker diverticulum

    A Zenker diverticulum projects posteriorly in the hypopharynx.

  • D. Hiatus hernia

    A hiatus hernia shows gastric folds above the diaphragm.

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 A, Oesophageal varices. Varices produce worm-like, tortuous filling defects, most prominent when the oesophagus is relaxed.

Why is "Oesophageal web" not the answer?

A web shows a thin shelf-like filling defect in the upper oesophagus.

Why is "Zenker diverticulum" not the answer?

A Zenker diverticulum projects posteriorly in the hypopharynx.

Why is "Hiatus hernia" not the answer?

A hiatus hernia shows gastric folds above the diaphragm.

What concept does this question test?

It tests GI imaging: oesophageal varices in Radiology. Endoscopy is the investigation of choice. A web shows a thin anterior membrane in the cervical oesophagus.

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 GI imaging: oesophageal varices?

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.