Abdominal and GI imaging: bile leak scintigraphy: 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 · Abdominal and GI imaging: bile leak scintigraphy

Sample item

On day 3 after laparoscopic cholecystectomy a patient has fever and abdominal distension, and ultrasound shows free fluid. Which scintigraphic study best demonstrates an active bile leak?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Tc-99m hepatobiliary scintigraphy

Tc-99m hepatobiliary scintigraphy follows tracer excreted in bile and shows extravasation into the peritoneum, confirming a leak. Gallium localises inflammation, DMSA images renal cortex and MIBG images neuroendocrine tumours.

Option by option

  • A. Tc-99m hepatobiliary scintigraphy (correct)

    Correct. A hepatobiliary agent is excreted in bile and shows free leakage.

  • B. Gallium-67 citrate scan

    Gallium-67 concentrates in inflammation and cannot show biliary flow.

  • C. Tc-99m DMSA scan

    DMSA is a renal cortical agent.

  • D. I-131 MIBG scan

    MIBG localises phaeochromocytoma and neuroblastoma.

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 A, Tc-99m hepatobiliary scintigraphy. Tc-99m hepatobiliary scintigraphy follows tracer excreted in bile and shows extravasation into the peritoneum, confirming a leak.

Why is "Gallium-67 citrate scan" not the answer?

Gallium-67 concentrates in inflammation and cannot show biliary flow.

Why is "Tc-99m DMSA scan" not the answer?

DMSA is a renal cortical agent.

Why is "I-131 MIBG scan" not the answer?

MIBG localises phaeochromocytoma and neuroblastoma.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Abdominal and GI imaging: bile leak scintigraphy in Radiology. Gallium localises inflammation, DMSA images renal cortex and MIBG images neuroendocrine tumours.

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 Abdominal and GI imaging: bile leak scintigraphy?

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.