Gastrointestinal 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 · Gastrointestinal imaging

Sample item

What fluoroscopic feature is classically sought in suspected achalasia on a barium swallow?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Smooth distal esophageal tapering

Achalasia can show smooth tapering of the distal esophagus with proximal dilatation on contrast swallow because failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation impedes bolus passage.

Option by option

  • A. A noncompressible appendix

    A noncompressible appendix is an ultrasound appendicitis sign.

  • B. A widened periodontal ligament

    Periodontal ligament widening is a dental radiographic finding.

  • C. Free intraperitoneal air

    Free air suggests hollow-viscus perforation on other imaging.

  • D. Smooth distal esophageal tapering (correct)

    Correct: distal smooth tapering is the classic barium swallow appearance.

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 D, Smooth distal esophageal tapering. Achalasia can show smooth tapering of the distal esophagus with proximal dilatation on contrast swallow because failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation impedes bolus passage.

Why is "A noncompressible appendix" not the answer?

A noncompressible appendix is an ultrasound appendicitis sign.

Why is "A widened periodontal ligament" not the answer?

Periodontal ligament widening is a dental radiographic finding.

Why is "Free intraperitoneal air" not the answer?

Free air suggests hollow-viscus perforation on other imaging.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastrointestinal imaging in Radiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: distal smooth tapering is the classic barium swallow appearance.

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 Gastrointestinal 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.