Abdominal imaging: 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 imaging

Sample item

The 'coffee bean' sign on an abdominal radiograph indicates:

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Sigmoid volvulus

A massively dilated, gas-filled loop of sigmoid colon, folded on itself and shaped like a coffee bean, rising out of the pelvis towards the right upper quadrant, is the classic radiograph of sigmoid volvulus.

Option by option

  • A. Sigmoid volvulus (correct)

    Correct. The twisted sigmoid loop forms the coffee-bean shape.

  • B. Intussusception

    Intussusception is better seen on ultrasound as a target sign.

  • C. Toxic megacolon

    Toxic megacolon shows transverse colon dilatation with loss of haustra.

  • D. Small bowel obstruction

    Small bowel obstruction shows multiple central gas-filled loops with valvulae conniventes.

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, Sigmoid volvulus. A massively dilated, gas-filled loop of sigmoid colon, folded on itself and shaped like a coffee bean, rising out of the pelvis towards the right upper quadrant, is the classic radiograph of sigmoid volvulus.

Why is "Intussusception" not the answer?

Intussusception is better seen on ultrasound as a target sign.

Why is "Toxic megacolon" not the answer?

Toxic megacolon shows transverse colon dilatation with loss of haustra.

Why is "Small bowel obstruction" not the answer?

Small bowel obstruction shows multiple central gas-filled loops with valvulae conniventes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Abdominal imaging in Radiology. The correct option holds because: Correct. The twisted sigmoid loop forms the coffee-bean shape.

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 imaging?

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.