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abdominal ultrasound

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on abdominal ultrasound.

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Umbilical hernia
Image by Ibrahim Husain Meraj CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 2-year-old child is brought to the GP by their parents who are concerned about the appearance of their child's abdomen. The child is asymptomatic, feeding well, and has no history of vomiting or pain. On examination, vital signs are normal. Considering the clinical presentation and the finding shown in the image, what is the most appropriate initial management?

A. Arrange an urgent abdominal ultrasound.
B. Urgent surgical referral for repair.
C. Application of an abdominal binder or tape.
D. Prescription of paracetamol and review in 3 months.
E. Observation and reassurance, advising review if symptomatic or persistent beyond age 4-5 years.
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Elective abdominal ultrasonography of a 64 year old woman with past colicky pain but no current pain. It shows a mildly dilated common bile duct with what appears to be a gallstone (black arrow). The green and blue dots are blood flow, since the exam is done as a Doppler ultrasound to distinguish the bile duct from blood vessels.
Image by Mikael Häggström CC0 1.0 · Source

A 64-year-old woman presents for an elective abdominal ultrasound. Several months ago, she experienced a few episodes of intermittent, moderate-to-severe right upper quadrant pain that resolved spontaneously within a few hours each time. She denies any associated fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice during those episodes or currently. She has no significant past medical history other than well-controlled hypertension. On examination today, she is afebrile, her vital signs are stable, and her abdomen is soft and non-tender. Routine blood tests performed prior to the ultrasound, including full blood count, liver function tests (bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, GGT), amylase, and lipase, are all within their respective normal reference ranges. The provided image is a representative view obtained during her ultrasound examination. Considering the patient's history, current clinical status, and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Reassurance and discharge with advice to return if symptoms recur.
B. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for further evaluation.
C. Elective cholecystectomy alone.
D. Referral for elective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or surgical consultation for stone extraction.
E. Urgent admission for intravenous antibiotics and pain relief.
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Elective abdominal ultrasonography of a 64 year old woman with past colicky pain but no current pain. It shows a mildly dilated common bile duct with what appears to be a gallstone (black arrow). The green and blue dots are blood flow, since the exam is done as a Doppler ultrasound to distinguish the bile duct from blood vessels.
Image by Mikael Häggström CC0 1.0 · Source

A 64-year-old woman presents for follow-up after experiencing intermittent episodes of right upper quadrant colicky pain over the past year, which have since resolved. She denies any current pain, fever, jaundice, or changes in bowel habits. Physical examination is unremarkable, and recent liver function tests are within normal limits. An elective abdominal ultrasound was performed, yielding the image shown. Considering the clinical context and the findings demonstrated, what is the most appropriate next step in her management?

A. Discharge with advice to return if symptoms recur
B. ERCP for stone extraction
C. Initiate ursodeoxycholic acid therapy
D. MRCP to further delineate the biliary anatomy
E. Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of intermittent, severe abdominal pain. His mother reports episodes where he cries inconsolably, draws his knees to his chest, and then seems to recover briefly before the pain returns. He has also passed a stool mixed with mucus and blood, described as 'red currant jelly'. On examination, the child is afebrile, but appears pale and lethargic. Abdominal palpation reveals a sausage-shaped mass in the right upper quadrant. An ultrasound is performed, and a representative image is shown. Assuming the diagnosis is confirmed, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Stool culture and sensitivity testing
B. Oral rehydration and analgesia
C. Air enema under radiological guidance
D. Intravenous antibiotics and observation
E. Surgical resection of the affected bowel segment
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old boy presents with intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stools. An ultrasound is performed, the image is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Stool culture
B. Surgical resection
C. Observation and analgesia
D. Air enema
E. Appendectomy
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Elective abdominal ultrasonography of a 64 year old woman with past colicky pain but no current pain. It shows a mildly dilated common bile duct with what appears to be a gallstone (black arrow). The green and blue dots are blood flow, since the exam is done as a Doppler ultrasound to distinguish the bile duct from blood vessels.
Image by Mikael Häggström CC0 1.0 · Source

A 64-year-old woman with a history of intermittent, self-resolving right upper quadrant pain presents for evaluation. She denies fever, chills, or jaundice, and her physical examination is unremarkable. Routine blood tests, including liver function tests and amylase, are within normal limits. An abdominal ultrasound was performed, and a representative image is shown. Based on the findings in this image and her clinical presentation, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy alone
B. Prescribe oral analgesics and advise dietary modification
C. Elective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for stone extraction
D. Referral for urgent surgical common bile duct exploration
E. Observation with regular clinical review
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old boy presents with intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and currant jelly stools. An ultrasound is performed, revealing the finding shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Appendectomy
B. Exploratory laparotomy
C. Air enema
D. Stool culture
E. Observation and intravenous fluids
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Figure 3 of paper: Alveolar echinococcosis in a patient with immunosuppression.

(a) Abdominal gray-scale US shows an abscess-like hepatic image.
(b) Axial unenhanced CT shows a typical aspect of pyogenic liver abscess.
Image by Wenya Liu, Éric Delabrousse, Oleg Blagosklonov, Jing Wang, Hongchun Zeng, Yi Jiang, Jian Wang, Yongde Qin, Dominique Angèle Vuitton, Hao Wen CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 58-year-old male presents with vague abdominal pain and unintentional weight loss. He has a history of working on a sheep farm. The provided imaging was obtained. Which of the following serological tests is MOST appropriate?

A. Amoebic serology
B. Hepatitis B surface antigen
C. Echinococcus IgG antibody
D. Strongyloides IgG antibody
E. Alpha-fetoprotein
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 6-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting after feeds. He is otherwise well-appearing, with normal vital signs and no abdominal distension. An ultrasound was performed, and an image is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Barium swallow study
B. Upper endoscopy with biopsy
C. Surgical consultation for pyloromyotomy
D. Initiate erythromycin therapy
E. Trial of thickened feeds
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A previously well 3-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with a 12-hour history of sudden onset, intermittent, severe, colicky abdominal pain, associated with non-bilious vomiting. Between episodes, he appears lethargic and pale. His vital signs are stable: HR 110, BP 90/60, RR 24, Temp 37.2. Abdominal examination reveals mild distension and tenderness, but no guarding or rebound. Bowel sounds are present. A point-of-care ultrasound is performed by the emergency physician. Considering the clinical presentation, the patient's current stable vital signs, and the specific findings demonstrated in the provided ultrasound image, which of the following represents the single most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient in an Australian tertiary paediatric centre?

A. Proceed directly to surgical exploration.
B. Attempt pneumatic or hydrostatic reduction under fluoroscopic guidance.
C. Obtain a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis.
D. Administer IV fluids and observe for resolution.
E. Discharge home with pain relief and follow-up.
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 5-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting. Ultrasound (shown). What electrolyte abnormality is MOST likely?

A. Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypophosphatemia
E. Hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of encephaloid hepatocellular carcinoma
Image by R. Badea, Simona Ioanitescu CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male with a history of hepatitis C presents with new onset ascites and right upper quadrant pain. His AFP is markedly elevated. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Order a CT scan of the abdomen with IV contrast
B. Referral for liver transplant evaluation
C. Initiate systemic chemotherapy
D. Begin palliative care
E. Perform a percutaneous liver biopsy
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 4-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with a 12-hour history of intermittent abdominal pain. His mother reports that the pain seems to come in waves, during which he cries and pulls his legs towards his chest. Between episodes, he appears relatively comfortable and plays normally. He has vomited once. His bowel movements have been normal, but his mother noticed a small streak of blood in his diaper this morning. On examination, the child is alert and playful. His abdomen is soft and non-tender to palpation. Bowel sounds are present. Given the history, the physician orders an abdominal ultrasound, the image is shown. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of this patient's condition?

A. Meckel's diverticulum
B. Viral gastroenteritis with reactive lymphadenopathy
C. Appendicitis
D. Idiopathic telescoping of the bowel
E. Henoch-Schönlein purpura
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 55-year-old woman presents with 2 days of worsening right upper quadrant pain radiating to her back, nausea, and subjective fever. On examination, she is tender in the RUQ. Vitals are stable. Labs show WCC 15.0, CRP 120. This image is obtained. Given the clinical context and imaging findings, what is the most appropriate definitive management strategy?

A. Percutaneous cholecystostomy tube insertion
B. Medical management with IV antibiotics and analgesia only
C. Discharge home with oral antibiotics and outpatient follow-up
D. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 24-72 hours
E. Urgent ERCP to relieve obstruction
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old boy presents with intermittent abdominal pain and vomiting. Stool examination reveals a positive occult blood test. An ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Air enema
B. Appendectomy
C. Laparotomy
D. Stool culture
E. IV antibiotics
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 55-year-old woman presents with 2 days of worsening right upper quadrant pain radiating to her back, nausea, and subjective fever. On examination, she is tender in the RUQ. Vitals are stable. Labs show WCC 15.0, CRP 120. This image is obtained. Based on the clinical presentation and imaging findings, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Continue medical management with IV antibiotics and analgesia
B. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 24-72 hours
C. Urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
D. Repeat abdominal ultrasound in 24 hours
E. Percutaneous cholecystostomy tube insertion
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 65-year-old male presents to the emergency department with 2 days of constant right upper quadrant pain radiating to the back, associated with nausea and subjective fever. On examination, he is febrile (38.5°C) with significant tenderness and a positive Murphy's sign in the right upper quadrant. His white cell count is elevated at 15 x 10^9/L, and CRP is 120 mg/L. Liver function tests are within normal limits. Considering the clinical findings and the provided imaging, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 24-72 hours
B. Urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
C. Percutaneous cholecystostomy insertion
D. Repeat abdominal CT scan in 24 hours
E. Continue medical management with intravenous antibiotics and analgesia only
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Elective abdominal ultrasonography of a 64 year old woman with past colicky pain but no current pain. It shows a mildly dilated common bile duct with what appears to be a gallstone (black arrow). The green and blue dots are blood flow, since the exam is done as a Doppler ultrasound to distinguish the bile duct from blood vessels.
Image by Mikael Häggström CC0 1.0 · Source

A 64-year-old woman presents for a routine health check. She reports intermittent episodes of colicky abdominal pain over the past year, which have since resolved. An abdominal ultrasound, as shown, was performed. Liver function tests are normal. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. HIDA scan to assess gallbladder function
B. Ursodeoxycholic acid therapy
C. ERCP with sphincterotomy
D. Referral for elective cholecystectomy
E. Observation with repeat ultrasound in 6 months
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 55-year-old female presents to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of severe right upper quadrant pain radiating to the back, associated with nausea, vomiting, and subjective fever. On examination, she is tachycardic (HR 105 bpm) and febrile (38.5°C), with marked tenderness and guarding in the right upper quadrant. Blood tests reveal a white cell count of 15 x 10^9/L and C-reactive protein of 120 mg/L. Liver function tests, including bilirubin, are within normal limits. She is initiated on intravenous fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Imaging is obtained. Considering the patient's clinical status and the findings on the provided imaging, which of the following represents the most appropriate definitive management strategy?

A. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (within 24-72 hours)
B. Delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (after 6-8 weeks)
C. Urgent ERCP to relieve obstruction
D. Percutaneous cholecystostomy tube insertion
E. Continue medical management with antibiotics and analgesia only
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Elective abdominal ultrasonography of a 64 year old woman with past colicky pain but no current pain. It shows a mildly dilated common bile duct with what appears to be a gallstone (black arrow). The green and blue dots are blood flow, since the exam is done as a Doppler ultrasound to distinguish the bile duct from blood vessels.
Image by Mikael Häggström CC0 1.0 · Source

A 64-year-old woman presents for a routine health check. She reports intermittent episodes of colicky abdominal pain over the past year, which have resolved spontaneously. She denies any current pain, jaundice, fever, or changes in bowel habits. Her physical examination is unremarkable, with a soft, non-tender abdomen. Liver function tests are within normal limits. An abdominal ultrasound, as shown, was performed. Given the clinical context and the ultrasound findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Recommend a high-fibre diet and analgesics as needed
B. Referral for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
C. Schedule a repeat ultrasound in 6 months
D. Prescribe ursodeoxycholic acid and monitor liver function tests
E. Order a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan
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Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Image by Adityagupta95 CC0 1.0 · Source

A 3-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting after feeds. An upper GI series is performed (image shown). What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Barium swallow study
B. Surgical pyloromyotomy
C. Medical management with erythromycin
D. Trial of thickened feeds
E. Upper endoscopy with biopsy
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 65-year-old male presents with groin pain and vomiting. The provided image was taken. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Discharge with stool softeners
B. Administer intravenous antibiotics
C. Apply ice packs to the groin
D. Start a clear liquid diet
E. Surgical consultation for possible bowel resection
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An incarcerated inguinal hernia as seen on CT
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 59-year-old male presents with a painful right groin bulge that has progressively worsened over the past week. He denies fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. Vitals are stable. The provided image was obtained. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Prescribe analgesics and discharge with surgical follow-up
B. Order a bowel preparation
C. Attempt manual reduction with sedation
D. Initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics
E. Surgical consultation for operative management
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of encephaloid hepatocellular carcinoma
Image by R. Badea, Simona Ioanitescu CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 58-year-old male with cirrhosis secondary to alcohol abuse presents for routine surveillance. His AFP is 25 ng/mL. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. MRI of the abdomen with contrast
B. Repeat AFP in 3 months
C. CT of the abdomen with contrast
D. Liver biopsy
E. Initiate sorafenib
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset, intermittent, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. On examination, he is pale but haemodynamically stable. An abdominal ultrasound is performed. Based on the clinical presentation and the provided image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Urgent surgical consultation for laparotomy
B. Nasogastric tube insertion and IV fluids only
C. Air enema reduction
D. Observation with serial abdominal examinations
E. CT abdomen and pelvis
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 6-week-old male presents with persistent non-bilious vomiting after feeding. He appears hungry and has lost weight since birth. Examination reveals visible peristaltic waves across the abdomen. An abdominal ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the most likely acid-base disturbance seen in this patient?

A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Normal acid-base balance
D. Respiratory alkalosis
E. Metabolic acidosis
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 45-year-old female presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and subjective fevers. She reports that the pain is constant and worsened by eating. She has no significant past medical history and takes no medications. On examination, she is noted to be uncomfortable, with a temperature of 38.2°C, heart rate of 110 bpm, blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg, and an oxygen saturation of 99% on room air. Abdominal examination reveals marked tenderness to palpation in the right upper quadrant with guarding. Murphy's sign is positive. Laboratory investigations reveal a white blood cell count of 15,000/µL with neutrophilic predominance, total bilirubin of 1.8 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase of 280 U/L, ALT of 160 U/L, and AST of 130 U/L. The provided image was obtained. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings on the image, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Order a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan
B. Administer analgesics and antiemetics, and discharge home with outpatient follow-up
C. Perform an ERCP to rule out choledocholithiasis
D. Initiate intravenous antibiotics and observe for 48 hours
E. Surgical consultation for cholecystectomy
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Ultrasonographic picture taken from a patient with left ureteral stone with hydronephrosis, created in Taiwan
Image by morning2k CC BY 2.5 · Source

A 45-year-old male presents to the ED with left flank pain that started suddenly 6 hours ago. He describes the pain as a sharp, cramping sensation radiating to his groin. He also reports nausea and one episode of vomiting. His vital signs are stable: BP 120/80 mmHg, HR 78 bpm, RR 16 breaths/min, Temp 37.1°C. Urine dipstick shows 2+ blood. A renal ultrasound is performed, and the image is shown. Assuming the patient's pain is not controlled with oral analgesics, what is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Consult urology for emergent ureteroscopy
B. Start intravenous fluids at 250 mL/hr
C. Order a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
D. Discharge home with tamsulosin and analgesics
E. Administer intravenous ketorolac
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Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Image by Adityagupta95 CC0 1.0 · Source

A 3-week-old male infant presents with persistent, non-bilious projectile vomiting after each feed. He appears hungry and eagerly accepts the bottle, but vomits shortly after. On examination, mild dehydration is noted. An abdominal X-ray is ordered, the relevant image is attached. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Perform an upper endoscopy
B. Administer intravenous ondansetron
C. Initiate a course of erythromycin
D. Surgical pyloromyotomy
E. Start a trial of thickened feeds
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 5-week-old male infant presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of non-bilious, projectile vomiting after each feed. He is otherwise well-appearing and afebrile. His mother reports that he is feeding well but seems increasingly hungry after vomiting. On examination, the infant is alert and active, with slightly dry mucous membranes. Abdominal examination is unremarkable, with no palpable masses. An ultrasound of the abdomen is performed, the image of which is shown. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Surgical consultation for pyloromyotomy
B. Administer intravenous ondansetron and observe
C. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy
D. Discharge home with instructions for frequent small-volume feeds
E. Initiate a trial of thickened feeds
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Elective abdominal ultrasonography of a 64 year old woman with past colicky pain but no current pain. It shows a mildly dilated common bile duct with what appears to be a gallstone (black arrow). The green and blue dots are blood flow, since the exam is done as a Doppler ultrasound to distinguish the bile duct from blood vessels.
Image by Mikael Häggström CC0 1.0 · Source

A 64-year-old woman presents for an elective abdominal ultrasound. Several months ago, she experienced a few episodes of intermittent, moderate-to-severe right upper quadrant pain that resolved spontaneously within a few hours each time. She denies any associated fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice during those episodes or currently. She has no significant past medical history other than well-controlled hypertension. On examination today, she is afebrile, her vital signs are stable, and her abdomen is soft and non-tender. Routine blood tests performed prior to the ultrasound, including full blood count, liver function tests (bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, GGT), amylase, and lipase, are all within their respective normal reference ranges. The provided image is a representative view obtained during her ultrasound examination. Considering the patient's history, current clinical status, and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy alone.
B. Immediate endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
C. Initiate medical dissolution therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid and review in 3 months.
D. Observation with regular clinical follow-up and repeat abdominal ultrasound in 6 months.
E. Elective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of encephaloid hepatocellular carcinoma
Image by R. Badea, Simona Ioanitescu CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male with a history of chronic hepatitis C presents to the clinic complaining of right upper quadrant abdominal pain and unintentional weight loss of 10 kg over the past 6 months. His past medical history is significant for well-controlled hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Physical examination reveals mild hepatomegaly. Laboratory investigations show elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the liver is performed, and representative images are shown. Based on the imaging and clinical context, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Radiofrequency ablation of the lesion
B. Surveillance with serial AFP measurements and ultrasound every 3 months
C. Surgical resection of the lesion
D. Initiation of systemic chemotherapy with sorafenib
E. Referral for liver biopsy to confirm diagnosis and assess grade
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Umbilical hernia
Image by Ibrahim Husain Meraj CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 6-month-old infant presents for a routine check-up. The mother reports the infant is feeding well and has normal bowel movements. On examination, the infant is active and alert with normal vital signs. The abdomen is soft and non-tender. The image shows a finding on the abdominal exam. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Application of an abdominal binder
B. Empiric antibiotic treatment
C. Initiation of diuretic therapy
D. Reassurance and observation
E. Immediate surgical referral
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Acute cholecystitis with gallbladder wall thickening, a large gallstone, and a large gallbladder
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 58-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of severe, constant right upper quadrant pain for the past 12 hours. He reports associated nausea and several episodes of non-bilious vomiting. He denies any fever or chills. His past medical history includes type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, both managed with oral medications. On examination, the patient is alert and oriented. His vital signs are: temperature 37.2°C, heart rate 105 bpm, blood pressure 150/90 mmHg, respiratory rate 20 breaths/min, and SpO2 97% on room air. Abdominal examination reveals significant tenderness to palpation in the right upper quadrant, with guarding. Murphy's sign is positive. Laboratory investigations reveal a white blood cell count of 14,000/µL with neutrophilic predominance, total bilirubin of 2.5 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase of 250 U/L, ALT of 150 U/L, and AST of 120 U/L. The provided image was obtained. Given the clinical scenario and the findings on the image, which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial management strategy?

A. Initiate intravenous antibiotics and schedule laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 72 hours
B. Start ursodeoxycholic acid and advise a low-fat diet
C. Perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to rule out choledocholithiasis
D. Order a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan to confirm the diagnosis
E. Administer intravenous fluids and analgesics, and discharge home with oral antibiotics and outpatient surgical follow-up
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Ultrasonographic picture taken from a patient with left ureteral stone with hydronephrosis, created in Taiwan
Image by morning2k CC BY 2.5 · Source

A 45-year-old male presents to the ED with left flank pain radiating to his groin. He reports nausea but no vomiting. Vitals are stable. A focused ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Non-contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis
B. Perform intravenous pyelogram
C. Insert a Foley catheter
D. Administer intravenous antibiotics
E. Discharge with analgesics and follow-up with urology
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset, intermittent, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. Examination reveals a palpable mass. Vitals stable. Ultrasound performed. Based on the clinical presentation and the provided image, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Urgent surgical exploration
B. Pneumatic reduction under fluoroscopy
C. Abdominal CT scan with contrast
D. Admission for observation and IV fluids
E. Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of encephaloid hepatocellular carcinoma
Image by R. Badea, Simona Ioanitescu CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male with a history of hepatitis C presents with new onset jaundice and abdominal distension. Ascites is confirmed on examination. The patient denies alcohol use. An ultrasound with contrast is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Referral for liver transplant evaluation
B. Order a triple-phase CT scan of the abdomen
C. Initiate empiric antibiotic therapy for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
D. Administer intravenous albumin and diuretics
E. Paracentesis for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old boy presents with intermittent abdominal pain and bloody stools. An ultrasound is performed. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. IV antibiotics
B. Appendectomy
C. Air enema
D. Stool culture
E. Observation
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 5-week-old male presents with non-bilious projectile vomiting. An ultrasound is performed (shown). What acid-base disturbance is MOST likely?

A. Hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis
B. Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
E. Normal acid-base balance
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Umbilical hernia
Image by Ibrahim Husain Meraj CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 9-month-old presents with a noticeable abdominal protrusion, more prominent when crying. The child is feeding well and has regular bowel movements. Examination reveals a soft, easily reducible bulge at the umbilicus, as shown. Parents are concerned about potential complications. What is the MOST appropriate parental advice?

A. Advise immediate surgical repair to prevent future complications like bowel strangulation.
B. Recommend applying a belly band to reduce the protrusion and promote closure.
C. Reassurance that most cases resolve spontaneously by age 5; surgical intervention is rarely needed unless incarcerated.
D. Suggest a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation and reduce intra-abdominal pressure.
E. Prescribe topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and promote skin closure.
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Elective abdominal ultrasonography of a 64 year old woman with past colicky pain but no current pain. It shows a mildly dilated common bile duct with what appears to be a gallstone (black arrow). The green and blue dots are blood flow, since the exam is done as a Doppler ultrasound to distinguish the bile duct from blood vessels.
Image by Mikael Häggström CC0 1.0 · Source

A 64-year-old woman with past colicky pain had this ultrasound. LFTs are normal. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. ERCP
B. Referral for elective cholecystectomy
C. MRCP
D. Ursodeoxycholic acid
E. Observation and repeat ultrasound in 6 months
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of encephaloid hepatocellular carcinoma
Image by R. Badea, Simona Ioanitescu CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male with a history of hepatitis C presents with new onset ascites and right upper quadrant pain. His AFP is markedly elevated. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Referral for liver transplant evaluation
B. Initiate sorafenib therapy
C. Perform a percutaneous liver biopsy
D. Schedule a follow-up ultrasound in 3 months
E. Order a CT scan of the abdomen with IV contrast
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Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Image by Adityagupta95 CC0 1.0 · Source

A 4-week-old male presents with persistent projectile vomiting after each feed. He appears hungry and eagerly feeds, but vomits shortly after. An abdominal X-ray is ordered, the result of which is shown. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Start a trial of hypoallergenic formula
B. Initiate intravenous antibiotics
C. Surgical pyloromyotomy
D. Administer antiemetics and observe
E. Upper endoscopy with biopsy
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A previously healthy 2-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with a 1-day history of colicky abdominal pain. His parents report that the pain occurs in episodes, during which he cries intensely and pulls his legs up to his chest. Between episodes, he appears relatively comfortable. He has had one episode of vomiting. His parents also noticed a small amount of blood in his stool this morning. On examination, the child is alert but irritable. His abdomen is soft, but a palpable mass is noted in the right upper quadrant. An ultrasound is performed, with a representative image shown. What is the MOST appropriate initial management strategy?

A. Air enema under fluoroscopic guidance
B. Surgical exploration
C. Appendectomy
D. Observation with intravenous fluids
E. Barium enema
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Diverticular disease
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents to the ED with left lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed. Based on the imaging, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Flexible sigmoidoscopy to rule out malignancy
B. Stool culture to identify infectious etiology
C. Surgical resection of the affected bowel segment
D. IV antibiotics and bowel rest
E. High-fiber diet and increased fluid intake
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with a 12-hour history of intermittent, severe abdominal pain, drawing his legs up to his chest. He has vomited several times. His vital signs are stable: HR 110, BP 95/60, RR 24, Temp 37.2°C. On examination, he is irritable but comfortable between episodes of pain. His abdomen is soft but mildly distended. A focused abdominal ultrasound is performed, yielding the image provided. Based on the clinical presentation and the findings shown, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Pneumatic reduction under fluoroscopy
B. Abdominal CT scan with contrast
C. Admission for observation and serial abdominal exams
D. Immediate surgical consultation for laparotomy
E. Administration of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics
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Elective abdominal ultrasonography of a 64 year old woman with past colicky pain but no current pain. It shows a mildly dilated common bile duct with what appears to be a gallstone (black arrow). The green and blue dots are blood flow, since the exam is done as a Doppler ultrasound to distinguish the bile duct from blood vessels.
Image by Mikael Häggström CC0 1.0 · Source

A 64-year-old woman presents for a routine health check. She reports intermittent episodes of colicky abdominal pain over the past year, but denies any current pain, jaundice, or fever. An abdominal ultrasound is performed, the image is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Administer ursodeoxycholic acid
B. Discharge with reassurance
C. Initiate a low-fat diet
D. Referral for elective cholecystectomy
E. Order a HIDA scan
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Pyloric stenosis as seen on ultrasound in a 6 week old
Image by Dr Laughlin Dawes CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 6-week-old male presents with projectile vomiting after feeds. He is otherwise well-appearing, with normal vital signs. An abdominal ultrasound is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Initiate a proton pump inhibitor
B. Surgical consultation for pyloromyotomy
C. Reassurance and close follow-up
D. Upper endoscopy with biopsy
E. Trial of thickened feeds
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset, intermittent, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy. Examination reveals a pale child with a soft abdomen. Vitals are stable. An abdominal ultrasound is performed (image provided). What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Admission for observation and serial abdominal exams
B. Intravenous antibiotics and fluid resuscitation
C. CT abdomen/pelvis with contrast
D. Pneumatic reduction under fluoroscopy
E. Urgent surgical exploration
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An ultrasound showing target sign which is a characteristic finding for intussusception on ultrasound, this ultrasound is for a 3 year old boy with intestinal intussusception.
Image by Frank Gaillard CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old boy presents with intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and currant jelly stools. An ultrasound is performed, revealing the image shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Observation and supportive care
B. Surgical resection
C. IV antibiotics
D. Appendectomy
E. Air enema
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