Pathology Recognition Flashcards
7 cards from real ARRT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pathology Recognition flashcards as text
On CT spine, which finding is most consistent with a herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-L5 causing left leg radiculopathy?
Answer: Left paracentral disc extrusion compressing the left L5 nerve root
A left paracentral extrusion at L4-L5 compresses the traversing L5 nerve root in the lateral recess, causing ipsilateral radiculopathy.
CT of the abdomen shows a 'target sign' (layered bowel wall with alternating attenuation) in the small bowel. This is most consistent with:
Answer: Intussusception or inflammatory bowel disease with submucosal edema
The CT target sign reflects bowel wall stratification due to submucosal edema or fat, seen in intussusception, Crohn's disease, or ischemia.
Which CT feature of a pulmonary nodule is most associated with malignancy?
Answer: Spiculated margins with pleural tethering
Spiculated margins with pleural tethering are high-risk features indicating likely malignant invasion of adjacent lung parenchyma.
A patient presents with acute vision loss. CT brain shows hyperdensity in the basilar artery. What does this finding represent?
Answer: Acute thrombosis of the basilar artery
The 'dense basilar artery sign' on non-contrast CT indicates acute thromboembolism and is a CT marker of posterior circulation stroke.
CT of the abdomen in a cirrhotic patient shows multiple enhancing nodules in the liver. Which additional finding would most strongly suggest hepatocellular carcinoma over regenerative nodules?
Answer: Washout appearance on delayed phase imaging
Arterial enhancement followed by washout on portal venous or delayed phase is the LI-RADS CT hallmark distinguishing HCC from benign regenerative nodules.
On a CT KUB (kidneys, ureters, bladder), which stone type appears LEAST dense (lowest Hounsfield units)?
Answer: Uric acid
Uric acid stones are the least dense urinary calculi on CT (100–400 HU), compared to calcium-based stones which exceed 800 HU.
A CT chest post-lobectomy shows a new fluid collection with an air-fluid level adjacent to the bronchial stump. What complication does this suggest?
Answer: Bronchopleural fistula with empyema
An air-fluid level adjacent to a bronchial stump indicates bronchopleural fistula, allowing air to enter the pleural space, often with secondary empyema.