ARDMS AB-Abdomen Exam Dumps

The ultrasound images show two views of the same groin region --- one without compression (left image labeled ''W/O COMPRESSION'') and one with graded probe compression (right image labeled ''W/ COMPRESSION'').

In the non-compression image, a hypoechoic mass-like structure is visible protruding through the abdominal wall, consistent with a hernia sac. On the compression image, the herniated content is no longer visible, indicating that the contents have been pushed back into the abdominal cavity. This is the hallmark feature of a reducible hernia.

Key characteristics of a reducible hernia on ultrasound:

Herniated contents are visible without pressure.

Contents disappear or reduce back into the abdomen with graded probe compression or Valsalva release.

Typically includes omental fat or bowel, but reduction confirms lack of incarceration or strangulation.

Comparison of answer choices:

Fat only refers to the hernia content type, not the behavior or reducibility shown here.

Reducible --- Correct. The change in hernia appearance between images demonstrates successful reduction with compression.

Incarcerated hernia would remain visible and not compressible or reducible.

Strangulated hernia would show signs of ischemia (bowel wall thickening, absent perfusion, hyperechoic mesentery), and would also not reduce with compression.

Radswiki. Ultrasound evaluation of hernia. Radiopaedia.org

Rumack CM, Wilson SR, Charboneau JW, Levine D. Diagnostic Ultrasound, 5th ed. Elsevier; 2017.

AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of a Focused Ultrasound Examination for Hernia (2021)

The image provided is a right upper quadrant (RUQ) ultrasound---typically performed during a FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) exam or for abdominal assessment. The arrow points to an anechoic (black) fluid collection seen above the diaphragm and posterior to the liver.

This fluid collection lies within the thoracic cavity, confirming the diagnosis of a pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are seen sonographically as an anechoic or hypoechoic area superior to the diaphragm in the thoracic cavity and often appear triangular or crescent-shaped. The diaphragm is visualized as a curvilinear echogenic structure separating the liver (or spleen) below from the lung space above.

Comparison of answer choices:

A . Retroperitoneal hemorrhage would be seen in the posterior abdomen, not above the diaphragm.

B . Pleural effusion is correct---anechoic fluid above the diaphragm is classic for this condition.

C . Mirror image artifact occurs when liver echoes are mirrored across the diaphragm and lung---this is not a mirror artifact.

D . Ascites collects inferior to the diaphragm and around the abdominal organs, not in the thoracic cavity.

Ma OJ, Mateer JR, Blaivas M. Emergency Ultrasound, 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill; 2014.

Moore CL, Copel JA. Point-of-care ultrasonography. N Engl J Med. 2011;364(8):749--757.

Rumack CM, Wilson SR, Charboneau JW, Levine D. Diagnostic Ultrasound, 5th ed. Elsevier; 2017.

The hallmark feature of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a central stellate scar seen on imaging. This fibrous scar may not always be seen on ultrasound but is a classic distinguishing feature from hepatic adenomas, which usually lack a central scar.

According to Rumack's Diagnostic Ultrasound:

''Focal nodular hyperplasia often demonstrates a central stellate scar, which may be echogenic or isoechoic.''

Rumack CM, Wilson SR, Charboneau JW, Levine D. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 5th ed. Elsevier, 2017.

WHO Classification of Digestive System Tumors, 5th ed., IARC, 2019.

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A complex pleural effusion often contains internal septations or fibrin strands, distinguishing it from simple anechoic effusion. These septations suggest exudative processes such as infection, malignancy, or hemothorax.

According to Rumack's Diagnostic Ultrasound:

''Complex pleural effusions demonstrate internal septations or loculations, often related to infection or malignancy.''

Rumack CM, Wilson SR, Charboneau JW, Levine D. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 5th ed. Elsevier, 2017.

AIUM Practice Parameter for Thoracic Ultrasound, 2020.

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The normal epididymis typically appears as a homogeneous structure that is either isoechoic or slightly hypoechoic compared to the testis. The most accurate description is 'homogeneous compared to the testis,' meaning the texture is uniform. It is not anechoic, nor does it typically show irregular borders unless pathology is present.

According to Rumack's Diagnostic Ultrasound:

'The normal epididymis appears homogeneous and is isoechoic or slightly hypoechoic relative to the testis.' (Rumack CM et al., Diagnostic Ultrasound, 5th ed.)

Rumack CM, Wilson SR, Charboneau JW, Levine D. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2017.

AIUM Practice Parameter for Scrotal Ultrasound, 2020.

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