Free FMGE Radiology questions

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A pleural line with absent peripheral vascular markings is a classic radiographic sign of pneumothorax. The collapsed lung lies more medially.

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A large tension pneumothorax can shift the mediastinum contralaterally and depress the ipsilateral diaphragm. Clinical instability should not be delayed for imaging when tension pneumothorax is strongly suspected.

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Free pleural fluid classically produces costophrenic angle blunting and a meniscus sign on erect radiographs. Larger effusions may obscure the hemidiaphragm.

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Cardiogenic edema commonly causes bilateral central air-space opacities in a bat-wing pattern. Cardiomegaly and pleural effusions may also be present.

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Reactivation tuberculosis has a predilection for apical and posterior upper-lobe regions because of higher oxygen tension. Cavitation may occur.

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Fresh blood is typically hyperattenuating on non-contrast CT. This makes CT especially useful in the initial evaluation of acute intracranial hemorrhage.

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Non-contrast CT rapidly identifies most acute intracranial hemorrhage and is widely available. Early ischemic changes may be subtle or initially absent.

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Epidural hematoma is classically lentiform or biconvex and is limited by cranial sutures. It is often associated with arterial bleeding after skull trauma.

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Subdural blood spreads along the cerebral convexity and typically forms a crescent-shaped collection. It can cross sutures but is limited by dural reflections.

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MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals rather than ionizing radiation. It provides excellent contrast resolution for brain, spinal cord, joints, and many soft tissues.

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Ferromagnetic or non-MR-compatible devices may move, heat, malfunction, or produce hazardous interactions in the MRI environment. Device compatibility must therefore be confirmed.

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Ultrasound is highly useful for detecting gallstones and assessing the gallbladder and biliary tree. It does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation.

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Non-contrast CT has high sensitivity for urinary calculi and can also identify alternative causes of acute flank pain. Radiation exposure should still be considered.

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Suspicious clustered microcalcifications can be an important mammographic manifestation of DCIS. Morphology and distribution influence radiologic assessment.

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Achalasia classically causes smooth distal tapering of the esophagus, creating a bird-beak appearance. The proximal esophagus may become dilated.

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Small-bowel loops are usually central, and valvulae conniventes traverse the full bowel width. Multiple air-fluid levels may also be present on erect films.

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Subdiaphragmatic free intraperitoneal air is a classic sign of gastrointestinal perforation. Clinical context determines urgency and further management.

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Osteosarcoma commonly arises in the metaphysis of long bones in adolescents and may produce aggressive periosteal reactions including a Codman triangle. A sunburst pattern can also occur.

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Kidney function and previous hypersensitivity-like contrast reactions are important considerations before iodinated contrast administration. Risk assessment helps guide contrast choice and precautions.

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The ALARA principle aims to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining sufficient diagnostic quality. Justification and optimization are central to radiation protection.