Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on computed tomography (CT).
A 68-year-old male with a long history of alcohol-related cirrhosis and previous treatment for hepatitis C presents with increasing abdominal distension, fatigue, and a dull ache in the right upper quadrant. He denies acute pain or fever. On examination, he has mild jaundice, shifting dullness, and spider naevi. His vital signs are stable. Recent blood tests show albumin 28 g/L, INR 1.4, total bilirubin 45 µmol/L, ALT 65 U/L, AST 88 U/L, creatinine 90 µmol/L. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is 850 µg/L (normal <10). An abdominal CT scan with contrast is performed, axial views of which are shown. Considering the patient's clinical presentation, laboratory results, and the findings on the provided imaging, what is the MOST appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?
A 72-year-old male with a history of smoking and hyperlipidemia presents for a health check. He is asymptomatic. A contrast-enhanced CT abdomen is performed as part of a screening protocol. An axial view is shown. Besides optimizing medical management, what is the MOST appropriate next step?
A 4-year-old boy presents with a 3-week history of decreased appetite, lethargy, and intermittent abdominal pain. His parents note his abdomen seems larger. Vitals are stable. On examination, a firm, irregular mass is palpable in the upper abdomen. Blood work shows mild anaemia. The provided image is an axial CT slice of the abdomen. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, which of the following investigations is the MOST appropriate initial step to support the suspected diagnosis?
A 63-year-old man presents to his GP with a 6-month history of intermittent postprandial fullness and mild dysphagia, particularly with solid foods. He reports occasional regurgitation but denies significant heartburn or chest pain. His vital signs are stable, and physical examination is unremarkable. Recent blood tests show mild iron deficiency anaemia. The provided image is from a CT scan of the chest and upper abdomen performed as part of his investigation. Considering the clinical presentation and the significant anatomical finding demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 70-year-old male presents to his general practitioner complaining of mild, chronic lower back pain that has been present for several months. He describes the pain as a dull ache, worse with prolonged standing. He has a significant past medical history including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and a 50-pack-year smoking history, all of which are currently managed with medications. He denies any acute abdominal pain, pulsatile sensation, or leg symptoms. On physical examination, his vital signs are stable: blood pressure 135/85 mmHg, heart rate 72 bpm, respiratory rate 14 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 99% on room air. Abdominal examination is soft, non-tender, with no palpable masses. Peripheral pulses are symmetric and strong. As part of the investigation into his chronic back pain, a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed. An axial view from the scan is shown. Based on the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 72-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents for a routine follow-up. He is asymptomatic. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen was performed as part of a screening protocol. An axial view is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
A 68-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 12-hour history of severe, constant left groin pain. He reports a bulge in his groin that has been present for several years, which he can usually reduce himself. However, today he has been unable to push it back in, and the pain has become excruciating. He denies any fever, nausea, or vomiting. On examination, his vital signs are stable: temperature 37.0°C, heart rate 88 bpm, blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, respiratory rate 16 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 98% on room air. Abdominal examination is unremarkable. Palpation of the left groin reveals a firm, tender mass that is non-reducible. The overlying skin is erythematous, but there is no crepitus. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, and an axial slice is shown. Given the clinical scenario and the imaging findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 68-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of new onset left flank pain radiating to his groin. He reports a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both managed with medications. He denies any recent trauma. His vital signs are stable: blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, heart rate 88 bpm, respiratory rate 16 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 98% on room air. Physical examination reveals mild tenderness to palpation in the left flank, but no guarding or rebound tenderness. Peripheral pulses are normal and symmetric. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, the axial view is shown. Given the clinical context and the findings on the image, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 62-year-old male presents with left lower quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A 35-year-old presents with colicky abdominal pain and vomiting. An X-ray is performed. What is the MOST likely finding on subsequent CT imaging?
A 68-year-old male presents with new onset constipation and abdominal pain. The provided CT was obtained. What is the MOST likely long-term complication?
A 68-year-old male presents with fatigue, weight loss, and vague abdominal discomfort. His past medical history includes a recent diagnosis of gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC). The provided image was obtained as part of his staging workup. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 62-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of left lower quadrant abdominal pain for the past three days. He describes the pain as constant and sharp, rating it an 8 out of 10. He also reports nausea, decreased appetite, and subjective fevers. His past medical history is significant for hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both well-controlled with medications. He denies any recent travel or sick contacts. On physical examination, his abdomen is tender to palpation in the left lower quadrant with guarding. Bowel sounds are present but diminished. The remainder of his examination is unremarkable. His vital signs are: Temperature 38.2°C, Heart Rate 98 bpm, Blood Pressure 140/90 mmHg, Respiratory Rate 18 breaths per minute, and Oxygen Saturation 98% on room air. Laboratory results show a white blood cell count of 14,000/µL with a neutrophilic predominance. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast is performed, and a representative image is shown. Assuming the patient has no allergies, what is the MOST appropriate initial management strategy?
A 55-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of left lower quadrant abdominal pain, associated with a low-grade fever (38.1°C) and mild nausea. He denies vomiting, diarrhoea, or rectal bleeding. On examination, he has localised tenderness in the left iliac fossa. His vital signs are stable: BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 78 bpm, RR 16/min, SpO2 98% on air. Blood tests show a white cell count of 12.5 x 10^9/L and CRP 45 mg/L. An abdominal CT scan is performed (image provided). Based on the clinical presentation and the provided image, what is the most appropriate setting for this patient's initial management?
A 45-year-old male with a known history of Blue Rubber Bleb Naevus Syndrome, characterised by recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and multiple cutaneous vascular lesions, presents to the emergency department with acute onset severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. On examination, his abdomen is distended and diffusely tender with reduced bowel sounds. Vital signs are within normal limits. An urgent abdominal CT scan is performed. Considering the patient's history, acute presentation, and the findings on the abdominal CT scan, what is the most appropriate immediate management strategy?
A 68-year-old male presents with a 2-day history of worsening left lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever (38.5°C), and nausea. He has a history of similar, milder pain episodes. Examination reveals left iliac fossa tenderness with guarding. Bloods show WCC 16, CRP 120. A CT scan is performed (image provided). Considering the clinical picture and the imaging findings, which of the following represents the most appropriate initial management strategy?
A 68-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents to the emergency department with a sudden onset of left-sided hemianopia and mild right-sided weakness. Her symptoms began approximately 4 hours prior to arrival. Initial neurological examination reveals intact language function and no cognitive deficits. A CT angiogram was performed, followed by endovascular coiling. The provided image shows a post-operative angiogram. Despite the intervention, the patient's hemianopia persists, and her weakness has slightly worsened. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 62-year-old male presents to the ED with left lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and nausea for 3 days. His WBC count is 14,000. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A 68-year-old male presents for a routine check-up. He has a history of smoking and hypertension, managed with lisinopril. He denies any abdominal pain, back pain, or lower extremity claudication. Physical exam is unremarkable. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 45-year-old woman presents to the ED with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and nausea for 24 hours. Her vital signs are: HR 105 bpm, BP 130/80 mmHg, Temp 38.5°C. Physical exam reveals marked tenderness on palpation of the right upper quadrant. An abdominal CT scan is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 28-year-old male presents with a persistent cough and fatigue. A PET-CT scan was performed. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
A 72-year-old man presents to his GP with a 3-month history of intermittent lower back pain, which is worse with activity. He has a history of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and is a former smoker. Physical examination reveals normal vital signs and no abdominal tenderness or pulsatile mass. Routine blood tests are normal. An abdominal CT scan is performed as part of the workup. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 3-year-old presents with abdominal distension and bone pain. An abdominal CT is performed (image attached). Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial investigation to confirm the suspected diagnosis?
A 62-year-old male presents to the emergency department with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice. He has a known history of chronic hepatitis C infection. His vital signs are stable. Physical examination reveals hepatomegaly and mild ascites. The patient denies any alcohol consumption. Laboratory investigations reveal elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. A CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast is performed, as shown. Based on the imaging and clinical findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 72-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents for a routine follow-up. He is asymptomatic. A contrast-enhanced CT abdomen, axial view shown, was performed as part of a screening protocol. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
A 55-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of left lower quadrant abdominal pain, associated with a low-grade fever (38.1°C) and mild nausea. He denies vomiting, diarrhoea, or rectal bleeding. On examination, he has localised tenderness in the left iliac fossa. His vital signs are stable: BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 78 bpm, RR 16/min, SpO2 98% on air. Blood tests show a white cell count of 12.5 x 10^9/L and CRP 45 mg/L. An abdominal CT scan is performed (image provided). Considering the clinical presentation and the findings on the provided image, which of the following investigations is most appropriate to recommend for this patient *after* resolution of the acute episode?
A 32-year-old male with a history of Crohn's disease presents with worsening abdominal pain, diarrhea, and a low-grade fever. He reports that his symptoms have been progressively worsening over the past few weeks despite being compliant with his prescribed mesalamine. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 60-year-old female with a history of a posterior cerebral artery aneurysm presents for routine follow-up. Review the image. What is the MOST appropriate management?
A 55-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of increasing abdominal bloating, early satiety, and a vague, intermittent dull ache in her lower abdomen. She reports a 5 kg weight loss over the same period, which she attributes to reduced appetite. Her last menstrual period was 5 years ago. She has a past medical history of well-controlled hypertension and osteoarthritis. She is on perindopril and paracetamol as needed. On physical examination, her vital signs are stable (BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 72 bpm, RR 16/min, Temp 36.8°C). Abdominal examination reveals mild distension and a firm, non-tender mass palpable in the suprapubic and left iliac fossa regions, estimated to be about 8 cm in size. Bowel sounds are normal. Pelvic examination is deferred due to patient discomfort and preference for imaging first. Routine blood tests, including full blood examination, urea and electrolytes, liver function tests, and C-reactive protein, are all within normal reference ranges. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed to investigate her symptoms, an axial image from which is shown. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings on the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?
A 45-year-old male presents with left flank pain radiating to the groin. Urinalysis shows microscopic hematuria. What is the MOST likely diagnosis based on the image?
A 63-year-old man presents to his GP with a 6-month history of intermittent postprandial fullness and mild dysphagia, particularly with solid foods. He reports occasional regurgitation but denies significant heartburn or chest pain. His vital signs are stable, and physical examination is unremarkable. Recent blood tests show mild iron deficiency anaemia. The provided image is from a CT scan of the chest and upper abdomen performed as part of his investigation. Considering the clinical presentation and the significant anatomical finding demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A 63-year-old man presents to the ED with increasing shortness of breath and epigastric discomfort, particularly after meals. He has a history of well-controlled hypertension and takes no regular medications. Physical examination reveals decreased breath sounds at the left lung base. An abdominal CT scan is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 68-year-old male presents to the ED with a painful lump in his groin that has been present for 3 days. He reports nausea but denies vomiting. His vital signs are stable. An abdominal CT is performed, and a slice is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 62-year-old woman presents with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis. An abdominal CT scan is performed, as shown. She has a history of similar episodes that resolved spontaneously. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 28-year-old female presents to her general practitioner with a 6-month history of intermittent abdominal pain, predominantly in the right lower quadrant. She describes the pain as cramping and associated with occasional episodes of non-bloody diarrhea. She denies fever, weight loss, or recent travel. Her past medical history is significant for well-controlled asthma, for which she uses an inhaled corticosteroid as needed. Physical examination reveals mild tenderness to palpation in the right lower quadrant, but is otherwise unremarkable. Bowel sounds are normal. Initial laboratory investigations, including a complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel, are within normal limits. Stool studies for ova and parasites, bacterial culture, and Clostridium difficile toxin are negative. Given her persistent symptoms, the GP refers her for further evaluation. A CT enterography is performed, and relevant images are shown. Based on the clinical presentation and imaging findings, which of the following is the MOST likely long-term complication this patient is at increased risk of developing?
A 48-year-old man with multiple cutaneous hemangiomas presents with crampy abdominal pain and guaiac-positive stools. The provided image was obtained. What is the MOST appropriate initial diagnostic test to identify the source of bleeding?
A 58-year-old male with a 15-year history of chronic hepatitis B infection and established cirrhosis presents for a routine surveillance appointment. He reports feeling generally well, with no significant weight loss, abdominal pain, or jaundice. He denies alcohol use. On examination, his vital signs are stable. He has mild palmar erythema but no ascites or peripheral oedema. Liver span is normal. Recent blood tests show platelet count 120 x 10^9/L, albumin 35 g/L, INR 1.2, total bilirubin 20 µmol/L, ALT 40 U/L, AST 55 U/L, creatinine 80 µmol/L. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has risen from 50 µg/L six months ago to 450 µg/L today. A triphasic CT scan of the abdomen was performed as part of the surveillance protocol, axial views of which are provided. Considering the patient's clinical history, laboratory trends, and the findings demonstrated on the provided imaging, which of the following represents the MOST appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?
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 image, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 68-year-old male presents to the ED with left lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and nausea for 3 days. His WBC count is 14,000. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
An 80-year-old male with a history of smoking and hypertension presents to his GP with mild, intermittent lower back pain. Physical examination is unremarkable. Routine blood tests are normal. A CT scan of the abdomen is performed to investigate the back pain. Considering the findings demonstrated in the provided image in the context of this patient's presentation, what is the most appropriate next step in management?
A 62-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of worsening abdominal pain, fatigue, and a 10kg unintentional weight loss over the past 3 months. He reports a history of peptic ulcer disease treated with long-term proton pump inhibitors. Physical examination reveals mild hepatomegaly and trace ascites. Initial laboratory investigations show elevated alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), with normal bilirubin and transaminases. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast is performed, and relevant images are shown. Given the clinical presentation and the findings on the imaging, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
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 image, what is the most appropriate next step in management?
A 45-year-old male with a known history of Blue Rubber Bleb Naevus Syndrome, characterised by recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and multiple cutaneous vascular lesions, presents to the emergency department with acute onset severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. On examination, his abdomen is distended and diffusely tender with reduced bowel sounds. Vital signs are within normal limits. An urgent abdominal CT scan is performed. Based on the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?
A 68-year-old male presents to the ED with a painful lump in his groin that has been present for 3 days. He reports nausea but denies vomiting. His vital signs are stable. An abdominal CT is performed, and a slice is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 62-year-old male with a history of hepatitis C presents with new-onset right upper quadrant pain and a 5kg weight loss over the past 3 months. His liver function tests show elevated ALT and AST. An abdominal CT scan with and without contrast is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?
A 3-year-old presents with abdominal distension, irritability, and periorbital ecchymosis. Examination reveals a firm, irregular abdominal mass. The provided image is an axial CT slice. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, which of the following biochemical markers is MOST likely to be significantly elevated?
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 68-year-old man presents with 3 days of worsening left lower quadrant pain, fever, and nausea. He has a history of diverticulosis. On examination, he is tachycardic (HR 105), afebrile (37.5°C), and has localised tenderness with guarding in the left iliac fossa. His blood tests show a WCC of 16 x 10^9/L and CRP 150 mg/L. He is commenced on intravenous antibiotics. A CT scan is performed (image provided). Considering the clinical context and the findings on the image, what is the most appropriate next step in management?
A 68-year-old man presents with a 4-month history of increasing constipation alternating with loose stools, occasional rectal bleeding, and fatigue. He denies significant weight loss. Physical examination is unremarkable. Full blood count shows a haemoglobin of 115 g/L with low ferritin. A colonoscopy was performed, and the image provided is a representative view. Biopsies were taken from the observed lesion. Considering the clinical presentation and the endoscopic finding, what is the most appropriate next investigation to determine the extent of disease and inform definitive management planning?
A 42-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 3-day history of colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. He reports that he has not had a bowel movement in 2 days and has noticed some blood in his vomit. He has a known history of multiple cutaneous hemangiomas since childhood. On examination, his abdomen is distended and tympanic, with tenderness to palpation in all quadrants. Bowel sounds are high-pitched and infrequent. Vitals are stable. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, and a representative image is shown. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of the patient's acute presentation, considering his history and the imaging findings?